With just five weeks remaining until the first ever Oswestry 10k running event, there are now more than 1,000 runners set to take to the starting line on the day.

Places have been going over the past few weeks, meaning there is now limited availability for places in the event.

Organiser Alan Lewis has been pleased with the number of people signing up, particularly in the past two weeks.

He said: “We have more than 1,000 runners signed up to this year’s event now – we’re very pleased with that. The last few places are still up for grabs for anyone wishing to take part.

“With the event being five weeks away I would have really liked us to be where we are now, so it’s great news.

“During the past week we’ve had people from as far away as Leicester, Derbyshire, Nottingham and north Wales all sign up to take part.

“We have a lot of high-calibre runners taking part now – I think having the prize of holidays has been a big draw, because not a lot of 10k races offer prizes.

“I think a lot of people have been looking for a challenge as we come out of summer, the number of entries we’re getting daily has increased since children went back to school.

“Anyone still wishing to take part should book on as soon as possible before the places are all gone.”

Alan also commented on the support the event has received from the people and businesses in the town: “Seeing the amount of support we’ve been getting from local people and businesses has just been fantastic.

“Without the support of sponsors, the community and Oswestry Town Council, we wouldn’t be in the position to offer a good all-round experience on the day, so we’re very grateful. Shropshire Council’s highways department has been a tremendous help.”