Northampton is preparing to swap its usual Sunday morning pace for something altogether sweatier, as thousands of runners take to the streets for this year’s Amazing Northampton Run.

The annual half marathon gets under way at 9.30am on Sunday, September 13, from Market Square, before sending runners off on a 13.1-mile tour of the town.

And it is quite the sightseeing route.

Competitors will pass Northampton landmarks including The Guildhall, 78 Derngate and Franklin’s Gardens, while also weaving their way through parks including the Racecourse.

For anyone wondering about one of the more practical matters involved in running 13 miles, Northampton Town Council has funded 12 mobile toilets at the halfway point on the Racecourse.

Because sometimes the little things really do matter.

Alongside the half marathon, organisers The Amazing Northampton Run CIC are also staging a three-leg relay and a three-mile fun run, giving those who fancy something a little less punishing the chance to join in too.

Entries remain open for all events until 8am on Friday, September 11.

Cllr Keith Holland-Delamere, chair of the Community Services Committee at Northampton Town Council, said the council was pleased to support the event again this year.

“We’re proud to be supporting The Amazing Northampton Run again this year by providing toilets at the halfway point of the route to make the event inclusive, as feedback from previous participants highlighted a lack of these facilities as a challenge.

“The event is much more than just a race, as it brings thousands of spectators into town, raises money for local charities and encourages community engagement, with volunteers, music and cultural performances lining the route.”

Now in its fourth year, the event has continued to evolve on the back of feedback from runners.

Event director Simon Hollis said: “The Amazing Northampton Run is now in its fourth year, and we’ve developed the event as a result of feedback we receive to improve the experience for all runners and make sure as many people as possible can participate.

“We’re grateful to Northampton Town Council for once again supporting our mission of making racing more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

“We also encourage people living on the route to come out of their houses and cheer runners on. Let’s give them a proper welcome to Northampton!”

There will be a civic warm-up too, with the Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Mike Hallam, joining the pre-race activity at around 9.15am.

His Cadet Sergeant and 16 other runners will also be taking part to raise money for The McCarthy Dixon Foundation, the Mayor’s chosen charity for the civic year.

The event is being supported by Northampton Town Centre BID and West Northamptonshire Council, with WNC funding half of the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order costs and working with organisers during the planning of the event.

Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, WNC cabinet member for Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “The Amazing Northampton Run is a fantastic event that showcases the strength of community spirit across Northampton while encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get active.

“We are pleased to be supporting the event once again this year, contributing towards the road closure costs and working alongside organisers during the planning stages.

“We look forward to watching the race and helping to celebrate and support everyone taking part on the day.”

Northampton Town Centre BID is meanwhile helping to make sure the final few metres look the part.

Mark Mullen, chief operating officer for the BID, said: “The BID is delighted to once again support The Amazing Northampton Run by funding the crowd barriers in the finishing straight, enabling businesses to display banners to showcase their offer to the thousands of runners and supporters flocking to the town centre this weekend.”

So, whether you are running 13.1 miles, tackling the relay, having a go at the fun run or simply standing at the roadside with a coffee shouting encouragement at strangers, Northampton will be firmly in race mode this Sunday.

For more information visit www.theamazingnorthamptonrun.co.uk.

Image caption: Runners crossing the finish line on Abington Street 

Image credit: The Amazing Northampton Run CIC