PULSES are set to race this weekend with more than 1,000 runners expected to take to the streets.

Sponsor Northumbrian Spring is providing 750 litres of water to help athletes in the annual Darlington 10k Road Run beat the heat expected over the weekend.

The race - organised by Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Rotary Club - is likely to bring the town centre to a halt, because more of the route than ever will be closed to traffic.

The council and police have worked closely to make the two-circuit route traffic-free.

Jeff Dawson, of the council's leisure services, said some race organisers would be rising at 5am on Sunday to make sure the event went without a hitch, and to mark out the route and road closures.

The official closing date for the race was two weeks ago, but runners can still enter on the day for £2 on top of the original admission charge.

The race starts at Prebend Row, and ends on High Row.

Mr Dawson said: "We have had about 800 entries for all three races, but like last year we are expecting a lot of entries on the day.

"The weather is supposed to be slightly cooler on Sunday, although still bright, so we're hoping that will attract more last-minute entries.

"If the weather is as hot as it has been, we recommend athletes drink plenty of fluid."

Darren Boyd, sales manager at Northumbrian Spring, said: "The main thing is for runners to enjoy themselves, and it is our job to make sure they are properly hydrated and focused on completing the run and raising as much money as possible."

Most of the money raised will go to the Rotary Club's nominated charity, The Rainbow Trust, which supports families where a child has a life-threatening or terminal illness.

Prizes are available for placed runners and teams in the 10k run and the junior 3.5km race - and spot prizes will be handed out to those in the shorter fun run.

Last year, more than 1,200 runners took part in the three races - which attracted inquiries from as far afield as Japan - and organisers hope the good weather this year will attract even more.

The charity race has raised more than £40,000 for good causes since it began in the mid-1980s.

Sherwoods car dealership is providing the main sponsorship for the race this year.

Those still wanting to enter can do so at least 30 minutes before the race, from 8.15am at the Dolphin Centre on Sunday.