ALMOST 2,000 runners are expected to be lacing up their trainers and descending on Northallerton for a popular10k run on Sunday.

The number of entrants for this year’s Northallerton 10k race has exceeded expectations, as organisers anticipate close to 2,000 people on the start/finish line on the town's High Street.

The race, which only debuted last year, has proven a hit with runners as organiser Thomas Kerfoot explained: “The aim was to attract around 800 runners within the next three years and this is only the second year of the Northallerton 10k so we are thrilled to have already achieved our target.

“Local business has given the event tremendous backing, particularly our headline sponsor Simon Bailes Peugeot, and it will be a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

"The atmosphere is always very special with both experienced and novice runners supporting each other, and great crowds cheering on participants.”

Simon Bailes added: “I’m delighted to be once again supporting the Northallerton 10k as well as raising money for a very worthwhile local organisation, the race brings the community together and people of all ages and abilities get involved, whether running themselves, helping behind the scenes or supporting the participants.”

The build up to the race starts in the town centre at 9.30am, with the race itself starting on the High Street at 11am.

All entrance fees and monies raised from the event go to Pendragon Community Trust which has a centre in Northallerton that provides support to people with physical, mental and emotional difficulties and their families and carers.