THE annual Bradford City Runs returns this Sunday and organisers are delighted the event is "back on the calendar" after it was cancelled in 2020 because of the pandemic.

Organisers are also pleased with the number of people registered to take part and with the planning of the event.

So far over 80 children and 350 people have registered to run one of the three distances: a 5km, a 10km and a half marathon along with a special kids' mile run, all on closed roads in and around City Park in the city centre.

The popular route will take in parts of Little Germany and the Broadway Shopping Centre, as well as the University of Bradford, Bradford College, City Hall and City Park.

The event is delivered in a partnership between Bradford Council and Bradford Athletics Network. It is also supported by Living Well programme and many RunBradford running groups, running clubs and people from across the district who marshal the event and make it all possible.

Road closures will be in force on certain roads for the duration of the event – they include: Thornton Road, Longside Lane, Shearbridge Road, Great Horton Road (near Bradford University), Princes Way, Hall Ings to the bottom of Leeds Road, Peckover Street and Market Street. Exact details can be found on the website.

Adrian Tolan, one of the organisers, said: "After last year's event was cancelled because of the pandemic, runners were a bit tentative when we first opened registration in September. We didn't know where we'd be with Covid infection rates and there was a chance we might not run.

"But we've had 150 applications this week. The numbers are not as good as 2019, but we're just happy to have it back on the calendar. There will be plenty of Covid measures in place this year."

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: "We are so pleased to see the return, after having to cancel last year due to the pandemic, of this incredibly popular event with runners of all abilities and families taking part. It is unique in that it offers a variety of distances and a special race for children. It’s not too late to sign up – you can’t do it on the day so I would urge people to get signed up now and get their running shoes ready. If you don’t want to take part – why not come down on Sunday morning and support those who are."

Mney raised will be split between the Burns Research Unit and Lord Mayors Appeal.

For more information on road closures or to sign up to take part visit bradfordcityruns.co.uk.