THOUSANDS of runners are preparing to brave freezing weather as they pound through the streets of Helsby this weekend.

On Sunday (January 20) morning 2,250 runners will race through the village as the 32nd annual Essar Four Villages Half Marathon starts with a bang.

With temperatures expected to plummet over the next few days participants will tackle the gruelling 13.1-mile course described as one of the most picturesque in the country.

But despite snow being forecast in the region for Friday, organisers are confident the event will go ahead.

This year’s race, which starts at Helsby Community Sports Club at 11am, will be the biggest the village has ever seen after organisers managed to secure 250 extra places after running spots were sold out in record time in November.

World renowned athletes, club runners, local politicians, and business owners are expected to join hundreds of fitness fanatics from all over the country as they run through the streets of Helsby, Mouldsworth, Manley and Dunham-on-the-Hill.

Race organiser and member of Helsby Running Club Steve Riley said the club had been inundated with daily requests from runners trying to get a last minute place on the increasingly popular race.

“Some people have been doing this race for years, it seems to be getting more and more popular,” said Steve, who said volunteers, organisers and runners were hoping the weather would stay dry and snow free over the weekend.

“The youngest runners are 17-years-old but there are a few people in their 80s who are still doing the run.

“It is one of the most interesting courses in the country.”

Volunteers from across the local community including Scouts and Brownies and members of the Frodsham and Helsby Rotary Club will be on hand to help make sure the run goes smoothly, while police control traffic and close off the roads.

And hundreds of families and well wishers are expected to leave their homes and line streets across the course as they cheer on the runners throughout the day.

MP for Weaver Vale Graham Evans, who is preparing to join crowds as he tackles the race, will be presenting trophies and cash prizes to the winners after he has crossed the finish line.

This year’s race, which finishes at Hornsmill Primary School, is being sponsored by Essar and Running Bear.

MOTORISTS are being warned to plan their journeys as dozens of roads close during the half marathon on Sunday.

This Sunday (January 20) roads across Helsby, Manley, Mouldsworth and Dunham-on-the-Hill with be closed as the Essar Four Villages Half Marathon takes place.

Starting at 10.30am the following roads across the villages will be closed as runners pound the route towards the finish line:

From 10.30am-noon: A56 Chester Road from Britannia Road to Robin Hood Lane, Helsby (including Meres Edge entrance to Tesco).

From 11am-noon: A56 Chester Road/Warrington Road from junction of Robin Hood Lane to Hob Lane, Dunham-on-the-Hill.

11am-noon: Hob Lane from Warrington Road to Village Road.

11.30am-2pm: Primrose Lane from A56 Chester Road to Helsby Road.  Diversion via The Rock.

11am-1.30pm: B5393 Manley Road from junction with Manley Common Road to Towers Lane.  Diversion via Manley Common, Birch Hill to Alvanley.

For pictures from the Essar Four Villages Half Marathon and a full report from the race get next week’s Chronicle.