ROADS across the city are set to close today as the iconic Colchester Half Marathon makes its return.
The event, which is celebrating its 12th time out, starts at 9am at the JobServe Community Stadium in United Way and finishes in the same place.
Thousands of runners will take on the 13.1 mile route, raising tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and causes, as they run through the historic city streets.
Several roads will be closed for more than four hours while participants clock up the miles.
Which roads will be closed for the Colchester Half Marathon?
To begin with, the roads surrounding the football stadium, including United Way, Boxted Road, Nayland Road, and Mile End Road will be closed.
Station Way will be closed from the North Station roundabout to the Essex Hall roundabout.
Roads between the Essex Hall roundabout and High Street will also be closed. This includes North Station Road, Middleborough, and North Hill.
After the city centre sector of the race, East Hill and East Street will also be closed.
Runners will then head towards Highwoods, meaning Ipswich Road will be closed between East Street and Severalls Lane, both of which are also due to shut.
Severalls Lane will be closed between Ipswich Road and Wyncolls Road, and between The Crescent and Langham Lane.
Wyncolls Road, Newcomen Way and The Crescent will also be closed.
Heading out into Langham, Langham Road, Langham Lane, Moor Road, High Street, Old Mill Road, are all closing due to the race.
Dedham Road, Boxted, will be closed between Old Mill Road and Straight Road.
As runners finish the race and return to the football stadium, Boxted Road will be closed between Straight Road and United Way.
Access for emergency vehicles and pedestrians will be maintained at all times during the half marathon.
All road closures will be in place beginning at 8.45am and finishing at 1pm, via a rolling roadblock.
This year’s event is once again being organised by The Robin Cancer Trust, with support from the Running Colchester community.
All proceeds will help fund the charity's life-saving awareness, education and support programmes for young people affected by germ cell cancer.
Last year's race raised £43,000 for The Robin Cancer Trust.
Charity founder and chief executive Toby Freeman said: “We’re incredibly proud to continue the legacy of the Colchester Half Marathon for the people of Colchester.
"This is one of the biggest events in the Essex race calendar, and it’s inspirational to see runners achieve their first half-marathon, personal best, or cross the finish line in memory of a loved one.
“The vital funds this event will raise will help us continue our life-saving work across the region – raising awareness of cancers in schools, colleges, and universities, educating, and engaging young people with our cancer campaigns online, and supporting those affected by germ cell cancer during the most difficult time of their lives.
“We can’t wait to see all the runners at the start line on Sunday – and we invite the people of Colchester to come and cheer them on as they take on this challenge.”
For more information, visit colchesterhalfmarathon.com.
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