The Canterbury 10-Mile Road Race is set to be a sell-out for a second year in a row.

It will start at 9am tomorrow to help protect runners from traffic issues, although the majority of the route is on quiet lanes and farm roads.

“Since Covid, a lot of peoples’ attitudes have changed,” said race director Glenn Mousley.

“But we have tried to make it appealing to people and we think, again, it’s been received really well.

“I think some people actually stay in Canterbury and make a weekend of it.”

Entrants have mainly been drawn from Kent but, also, other parts of the UK and overseas with 1,250 runners due to be involved overall.

Mousley revealed: “We have a heat map of where people have applied from. They really are coming from pretty much all over the UK - and one or two overseas.

“We, obviously, like people to come from far and wide - but certainly, the vast majority are from Kent.”

Invicta East Kent AC, who have organised the race, have got new sponsors for the event this year in ParkerSteel.

Canterbury Christ Church University supply their sports centre as the race headquarters and also provide physiotherapy students to offer a post-race massage service.

Demelza Hospice Care for Children will again be the chosen charity for the race. In partnership with the organisers, they will provide marshals.

All runners completing the course will receive a new, bespoke medal and free photographic downloads.

Last year’s winner, locally-based Cole Gibbens, will face opposition from several previous and new participants, which include Barry Stevenson (Dartford RoadRunners) who was second in 2023.

Drivers are advised there could be serious delays on parts of the route and to avoid the areas between 8.30am and 11.30am.

Information on the race is available at www.canterbury10.co.uk but no entries will be offered on the day.