Runners limbering up for Battle 10k

The race has been going since 2009 and is a major fundraiser for Battel Bonfire Boyes, who are finalising their preparations for this year’s bonfire celebrations on Saturday, November 7.

Sunday’s race, which starts at 10am in the High Street, sees runners take on a course with a reputation for being fun but challenging.

Last year a new course record was set by Josh Guilmant.

But there are plenty of runners who will be hoping to smash Josh’s time of 32.47 this Sunday.

A number of those taking part in the race will be raising money for charities and good causes close to their hearts.

This includes Katie Overy, who will be running in aid of St Michael’s Hospice and in honour of her late father Steve Overy, a stalwart of the Battle community.

Katie will be joined by a group of family and friends, including ex-Observer photographer Sam Potter.

Meanwhile, music teacher Alison Barlow will be belting out Abba songs as she runs the course to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The main race will be preceded by a junior run for children aged nine to 14, which starts at 9.30am.

The young runners will set off from the Abbey Green, up to the roundabout at the top of the High Street before returning to finish on the green.

Places are still available for both the main 10k and the junior race and can applied for on the morning from 8.30am on the Abbey Green.

On the day, entry costs £15 for the 10K and £4 for the junior race.

There will be a barbecue and refreshments available on the Abbey Green and residents are urged to come out to help encourage runners along the route.

A prize-giving ceremony will take place at approximately 11.30am.

The Battel Bonfire Boyes are reminding drivers a road closure will be in place between 9.20am and 9.40am and again between 9.50am and 10.30am on the High Street, Upper Lake and Lower Lake.

Powdermill Lane will also be closed between 10am and 10.45am.

The High Street will operate a traffic light system to allow runners to arrive safely back on the Abbey Green from 10.30am.

Due to the number of runners, the entire route may see slight delays.

Motorists are recommended to allow extra time for getting around Battle between 9.30am and 11.30am.

For further details on the BBB10k visit www.bbb10k.co.uk