MORE than 1,000 runners will be pounding the streets of Northallerton this weekend as a popular 10k returns to town for its third year.

This year’s Northallerton 10k, on Sunday, May 27, looks set to be one of the biggest yet with more than 1,000 runners registered.

It is a remarkable number considering the race only launched in 2016 with 480 runners taking part.

The run, which starts and finishes on Northallerton High Street, will be preceded by live music, stalls and entertainment in the town centre.

It is organised by the Pendragon Trust which provides a sensory centre in Northallerton and last year's event raised £10,000 for the unique facility.

Event organiser Tom Kerfoot said he is looking forward to another strong turn-out.

He said: "It is growing in every way, the number of sponsors and the number of people interested in it this year, I think there will be a lot of people there.

"I think it has been quite surprising how quickly it has grown, but then again it reflects the way people feel about cycling, running and fitness - people want to get involved.

"Also, I think we provide incredible value for money, we have been told we are too cheap for what the runners get for their £14.75 entry fee compared to other races."

Race registration opens at 9am and the runners will set off from the High Street at 11am.

There will be prizes of £100 each for the winning man and woman, as well as cash for second and third placed in each sex.

Last year's men’s race was won by Rob Scott with a time of 34 minutes 18 seconds, while the first woman over the line was Rosie Adams on 40 minutes 39 seconds.

Mr Kerfoot said that not only does the event prove an attraction for runners and spectators, but it also raises vital funds for the Pendragon Trust.

He said: "Charities and non-government organisations nationally and internationally are struggling for money and we are all about sustainability.

"That is where this money is going, to maintain this unique facility in Northallerton.

"There is nothing like it anywhere close, we are totally unique and we need to make sure that it is maintained forever and a day for the people who use it."

Runners taking part in Sunday's event are advised that the forecast is for warm weather so they should take necessary precautions.

Yellow ribbons were also on sale for the Manchester victim’s fund which raised £550 and the run raised an impressive £10,500 for Northallerton’s Pendragon Trust which supports adults with learning difficulties.

The men’s race was won by Rob Scott with a time of 34 minutes 18 seconds, while the first woman over the line was Rosie Adams on 40 minutes 39 seconds.

Organiser Thomas Kerfoot praised all those who took part and thanked the spectators and local authorities for their support of the event.

He said: “It has been a great day.

“The atmosphere was electric, that is one of the things that we are all really pumped about.

“With the announcer working hard there was a real atmosphere and we pretty much managed to shout out everybody’s name.

“The spectators really got into it.”

Mr Kerfoot said that the money raised from the event will help keep the Pendragon Centre running for another year.

He said: “It is a huge amount and we’re delighted.

“I don’t think people realise how much organising these things take but it is well worth it when everybody enjoys it so much.”

Mr Kerfoot said they are setting their sights even higher next year and hope to break the 1,000 barrier in terms of the number of entrants.

The Northallerton 10k will take place on the same date next year and registration is already open.

All the results from this year’s event are available to view online at http://ukresults.net/2017/north10k.html