Eastleigh is set to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its 10k road race this weekend.

More than 2,900 runners have entered to take part in the annual event that will take place at 9am on Sunday, March 23.

The race, that sold out in February, will see runners pouring into Eastleigh from throughout the UK and abroad, with the event supporting the Mayor of Eastleigh’s Charity Appeal and Wessex Heartbeat.

Race organiser Steve Collins said: “It's great that the people of Eastleigh really get behind the Eastleigh 10k as it has provided such a great day for the town since it started in 1985.

“During that time, we have overcome the start of Sunday trading, Covid-19, and even snow that postponed the event in 2018.”

READ MORE: Southampton public consultation over season ticket parking charges

Steve added: “The event has been as popular as ever and we are delighted to be recognised as one of the top ten 10k races in the county by Runner’s World magazine.

“It’s now one of the biggest and best 10ks in the UK with many top-class runners from throughout the country setting off alongside hundreds of fun runners, many of whom will be raising money for charity.”

Organisers have warned there will be some traffic disruption on Sunday, with Passfield Avenue being closed from 8.30am until 10.30am.

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

Last year’s event saw more than 2,800 people take part, one of which was Woolston resident, Graham Emery, who ran the race dressed as a gingerbread man.

Prior to the race, he said: “I'm doing this to mark my 50th birthday.

“I did it ten years ago for my 40th. It's become a tradition now.

“We are hoping to do the 10k in an hour and survive it.”