TWELVE hundred runners will line up at the start of tomorrow’s Darlington 10k.

Organisers changed the entry requirements this year asking for runners to sign up before the event and have been rewarded with a capacity turnout.

Last year, the race was over subscribed, but only after more than half the entrants signed up on the morning.

Tomorrow’s race starts at 10.30am. There is a family fun run at 9.15am and a junior 3k race at 9.45am. Road closures will be in operation throughout the morning and into the early afternoon.

The race starts in Houndgate, behind the Dolphin Centre, before using the two-lap circuit used since 2002.

Runners race along Stanhope Road, Woodland Road, Carmel Road and Coniscliffe Road before finishing in High Row.

Roads in Horsemarket, Bull Wynd, Blackwellgate, High Row, Post House Wynd, East Row, Northgate, Prospect Place and Tubwell Row will be closed from 6am to 2pm.

Skinnergate, Bondgate, Houndgate, Commerical Street, Duke Street, Grange Road, Beaumont Street and parts of Coniscliffe Road are shut from 6am to 12.30pm.

West Street, Stanhope Road, Woodland Road and Carmel Road are closed from 9am to 12.30pm.

Prizes are on offer in various categories to the leading runners as well as prizes for beating the course records.

Aly Dixon will be looking to take the women’s title for the third successive year. Last year’s men’s champion, Nick Swinburn, will not be defending his title.

Entrants will be dominated by local runners, including a record turnout by sponsors Sherwoods, the Quakers Running Club hoping to beat their own record, and a team from The Northern Echo raising money for the 3 Rifles Wristband Appeal.

Runners will also be hoping for more favourable conditions than last year’s hot weather. The forecast is for a maximum temperature of 20C, with light showers in the afternoon.

Although the race is now organised by Darlington Borough Council, it was founded by Darlington Rotary Club and still raises thousands of pounds for Rotary charities.

■ See The Northern Echo on Monday for a report and pictures.

ROAD CLOSURES (entirely or part)

6am to 2pm: Horsemarket; Bull Wynd; Blackwellgate; High Row; East Row; Northgate; Prospect Place; Tubwell Row (westbound)

6am to 12.30pm: Skinnergate; Bondgate; Houndgate; Commercial Street (part); Duke Street (part); Grange Road (part); Beaumont Street (part); Coniscliffe Road (part)

9am to 12.30pm: Coniscliffe Road (part); West Street; Stanhope Road; Woodland Road (part, outbound); Carmel Road North (part, southbound