THE EASTLEIGH 10k is finally underway.

Thousands of runners from across the country have taken to the streets of the town centre this morning to take part in the annual event.

Look out for this year's pictures on the Daily Echo website later today and five pages of coverage in tomorrow's paper.

PHOTOS: Pictures from the Eastleigh 10k in 2017

As previously reported, it was set to take place on March 18 but had to be postponed due to snow.

Now everything is ready for its return and organisers said it will be the biggest Eastleigh 10k ever.

The initiative, which is now in its 34th year, is renowned as a fast, flat course providing an ideal opportunity to record personal and season-best times.

Sponsored by Hendy, the event will be based at Places Leisure Eastleigh and will also feature a 2K children’s fun run for those aged between four and 12.

More than 400 local children are expected to take part in the two races: the nine to 12-year-olds at 11.10am and the four to eight-year-olds at 11.30am.

Race organiser Steve Collins said: “It’s fantastic that after the snow of March we have been able to reschedule the Hendy Eastleigh 10k and children's fun run both of which are completely sold out. We’ve had great support from our sponsors Hendy together with lots of local community groups that support the event. Good luck to all the runners – I’m sure it will be a great Father’s Day and fingers crossed for good weather."

This year’s race will start at 9am and will support the Mayor of Eastleigh’s Charity Appeal and Wessex Heartbeat.

Passfield Avenue will be closed between 8.30am and 10.30am.

There will also be a road closure as the runners’ lead car go along the route which is Passfield Avenue, Woodside Avenue, Shakespeare Road, Twyford Road, Woodside Avenue, back along Passfield Avenue, Derby Road, Desborough Road, Chestnut Avenue and Passfield Avenue, before finishing in Fleming Park.