Ludlow set for first 10k run

The Ludlow10 is a closed-road running event that will kick off at 7.45pm, started by town mayor Councillor Tim Gill.

While events such as the Storm The Castle duathlon and Teme Leisure Sprint triathlon are established in the town, this will be the first pure running closed-road event in the town centre.

There is a scaled down 5k course option for those not ready to take on the full 10k.

From 6pm, traffic arriving via King Street will be routed down Broad Street and there will be no access to High Street, Castle Street and the Castle Street car park from 6pm.

Mill Street will reopen within a few minutes of the start. The last runners are expected to finish around 9.25pm and all roads are expected to be open again by 9.30pm.

Pedestrian access will be unaffected but there will be clearly marked, manned crossing points around the centre.

The Saturday night timing of the event caused some controversy in recent weeks causing the start time to be pushed back to 7.45pm to allow people to get to the Ludlow Assembly Rooms and St Laurence’s Church for events beginning at 7.30pm.

Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North said: "We have worked hard with the organisers of the Ludlow 10km run to ensure that this race runs with the minimum disruption to residents and other events.

"We have agreed the race will start slightly later, allowing some town centre road closures to be delayed. The roads will reopen as soon as the last runners have passed on their second lap.

"All roads are expected to be open within two hours of the start.

"It is likely to be more difficult to find a parking space after 6pm so please come to town a little earlier than usual and use the Station Drive car park behind the Library – and do come along to enjoy what promises to be a great event.

"Events are an important part of Ludlow’s visitor economy. At present, we are overly reliant on the three main festivals – the spring and autumn Food Festivals, and the Medieval Fayre. We need to diversify.

"Fortunately, the Fringe is going from strength to strength, the Green Festival is long established and the May Fair even more so. St Laurence’s has its Summer Arts Festival. We can add to these successes with sporting occasions such as Ludlow10, which will introduce new people to our town and help keep it thriving."

Ludlow Green Festival also takes place this weekend with events in the square from 10am to 4pm tomorrow and around the town across the weekend.