A RECORD number of entries are expected when a relaunched running event takes place next month.

The Run Northumberland Half Marathon and the Run Northumberland Big 20 Miler will both take place on Sunday, March 15.

Having previously been ran on roads around Kirkley Hall, near Ponteland, they will adopt the tried and tested tracks used for Tynedale Harriers’ successful Jelly Tea 10-mile race and Tynedale 10K races, starting in Ovingham.

Run Northumberland director Richard Hunter said the event had outgrown the Kirkley Hall venue.

And Richard said a total of up to 1,000 runners could line-up in the two races.

“We will always be grateful to Kirkley Hall for its support,” he said.

“In looking for a new route, we have found one which is tried and tested, and we know we can accommodate a large number of runners.

“It will be predominantly the same route for both races, with an additional section for the 20 Miler.

“We’ve been doing some final route measurements this week and preparations are moving along swiftly.”

The two Run Northumberland races will set off together but competitors will have different colour bib numbers to designate which route they should take.

The races will be used by many runners as preparation for the London Marathon, set to take place on Sunday, April 26.

There will also be many charity runners, who are expected to raise thousands of pounds for worthy causes both locally and further afield.

Hunter said there would be road closures.

More information about the races, the routes and scheduled road closures can be found at runnation.co.uk.