Full house as 2,750 take on Shrewsbury Marathon
The stage is set for Shrewsbury's first ever marathon with all 2,750 places snapped up.
Thousands of people are expected to line the streets tomorrow to cheer on runners taking part in the inaugural marathon and half marathon.
The starting gun will be fired at 9am in The Quarry – with the town centre shut off to traffic for duration of the two races.
Around 100 officials have been employed to marshal the event – which is expected to provide a big boost to town centre businesses.
The town will enjoy a party atmosphere with Shrewsbury Brass Band playing in The Quarry, with more live music planned for The Square, compered by Radio Shropshire DJ Paul Shuttleworth. The Hive Music and Media centre in Belmont will also be hosting a marathon party and Shrewsbury School has organised entertainment.
The races have been organised by Market Drayton-based In the Running – which said it had been 'overwhelmed' by the response from the public.
In the Running's director, David Downes said all 2,750 running spots taken up.
The uptake is larger than the first Edinburgh Marathon, launched in 2003 – last year the Scottish race had nearly 10,000 participants.
Mr Downes said: "The way the town has got behind the race has been absolutely brilliant.
"You don't want it to be too hot for the runners but at the same time you want people to come out and support them."
Runners will be able to park at Shrewsbury Town Football Club, from where buses will ferry them into the town centre.
Oxon Park and Ride will also be running from 7am until after 4pm to drop spectators into Frankwell.
Town centre traders are expected to benefit from the influx of people.
Mr Downes said: "You will have thousands of families coming to watch the race in the town centre so it will raise a lot of money for the town's retailers."
Water stations will be set up every two miles. The course will be fully closed with local firm Traffix providing traffic management. All runners will receive a medal and t-shirt for taking part.
For further information visit www.intherunning.net
Are you taking part in the Shrewsbury Marathon or cheering on the runners? Send us your pictures to [email protected] or tweet @ShropshireStar