Chichester 10k could see field of 1,800

The 2011 race on Sunday, February 6, begins at 11am near the Chichester Festival Theatre.

It is the first major local running event of the new year and gives all entrants an early assessment of their post-Christmas fitness, especially if they have a longer run in mind later in the year.

Many use it as part of their training for the London and Brighton marathons.

This well-established race is popular with a wide range of abilities of entrants, who come from all over the UK. It’s hoped many faithful supporters will return and be joined by new entrants so the race limit of 1,800 runners will be reached.

The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Chichester Priory, who raise money for many deserving causes.

The race will again be sponsored by Peter Cooper, the local Volkswagen dealership and Brooks, the international sportswear company. Both sponsors will have teams competing.

Many athletes who have competed in previous years are likely to be back hoping to win, beat the course record or achieve their personal best time. For some it will be their first run in Chichester and for others it will be their first run over this distance.

All local clubs are expected to enter strong teams and the race also features in the Sussex Grand Prix and the Sussex AA 10km Road Race Challenge series, so expect some of the best runners in Sussex to attend.

Spectators will be welcome to see the runners head off along Oaklands Way. They run along Spitalfield Lane and make their way out past Goodwood airfield and into Lavant before entering on to the Midhurst road.

The leading runners will be back at the CFT in about 30 minutes but for the next 45 minutes, you will see runners crossing the line.

Large crowds are expected to see the finish. The best coverage before the race and afterwards – with pictures and a full list of finishers – will once again be provided by the Observer.

Now is the time to join the action. Forms will be available from Westgate Leisure Centre, the tourist information centre and at www.chichester10race.org.uk