ATHLETES and fun-runners from around the North West are set to descend on Padiham in the autumn for a new race designed to show off the town.

The10k run is being launched in Padiham by Burnley Leisure in a bid to get more people to take up running and to showcase the town’s surroundings.

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The run will take place on Sunday, September 20.

The Burnley Leisure 10k run will cover some of the town’s most attractive spots including Padiham Greenway and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath before taking in the Hapton and Padiham countryside.

Gary Stein, Burnley Leisure facilities assistant manager, said: “We have limited places to 200 for the first year of the event, so people should get a sprint on and get their applications in early to avoid disappointment.”

Padiham Greenway, which runs through the heart of the town, has been widely praised since its opening. The work converted the line of the former Rosegrove to Padiham railway.

European Greenways Association previously awarded it a prize for being an exemplary initiative.

Environmental charity Sustrans and Lancashire County Council provided the main funding for the £1.5 million route, which ends at Padiham Memorial Park.

The race is sponsored by Option Hygiene, based on Cliffe Street, Nelson.

The race is open to anyone aged 15 or over.

Book a place online from bookitzone.com or from ukresults.net.

Application forms can also be picked up from St Peter’s or Padiham leisure centres or obtained by emailing leisure@burnley.gov.uk.