THOUSANDS of runners will be hitting the borough's streets this weekend as the Great Manchester Run winds its way through Trafford.

More than 30,000 competitors are expected to hit the streets and roads in the city centre and Trafford will be temporarily closed to traffic as they become part of the course.

Roads will be closed and reopened at different times during the day, with the earliest and latest closures from 4am up until 7.30pm.

Now in it's 16th year, the Great Manchester Run will snake its way past iconic Trafford sights, including Old Trafford and the Imperial War Museum, before heading back to the spectator packed finish line in the shadow of Beetham Tower on Deansgate.

The 10k start line is on Portland Street and the route travels down the A56 towards Old Trafford and back towards Deansgate.

The finish system will remain in operation until all runners have crossed the line on Deansgate.

The half marathon course revolves around both of the city’s football stadiums, meaning several major roads around Old Trafford will be closed for most of the day from as early as 7am.

Also starting on Portland Street, the half marathon will head towards the Etihad Stadium before the route runs south of the city centre towards Old Trafford and then back towards the finish line on Deansgate.

The sheer scale of the run means that dozens of roads will be closed and all traffic will have to find alternative routes. With thousands of spectators descending on the city and soaking up the atmosphere, public transport will be much busier than usual.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have warned that bus services will be significantly affected by the road closures, with services being diverted onto alternate routes or onto the motorway network.

TfGM are advising drivers to expect longer journey times, so you should plan ahead if you are taking part in, spectating or avoiding the events.

Transport bosses have also cautioned rail passengers about delays and cancellations. There is a major rail timetable change for all Northern and Transpennine Express services on the Sunday.

So it might be a good idea to leave the car at home on Sunday unless you absolutely have to make a journey.

Road closures from 7am

- Trafford Wharf Road: from Warren Bruce Road to Trafford Road

- Trafford Road: from Exchange Quay to Trafford Road

- Warren Bruce Road: from Wharfside Way to Trafford Wharf Road

- Wharf End: from Trafford Wharf Road to Trafford Road

- Sir Alex Ferguson Way

- Sir Matt Busby Way

- A5063 Trafford Road: from White City Circle Roundabout to Salford City Boundary

- A56 Chester Road: from White City Circle Roundabout to Sir Matt Busby Way

- A5801 Wharfside Way: from White City Circle Roundabout to Salford City Boundary

Bus services affected

Bus services will be significantly affected by the road closures, with services being diverted onto alternate routes or onto the motorway network, meaning longer journey times for some passengers.

- Service 15, Stagecoach, Manchester Piccadilly to Flixton

- Service 41, First, Manchester Piccadilly to Sale.

- Service 250, Stagecoach, Manchester to Trafford Centre

- Service 255, Stagecoach, Manchester to Partington

- Service 256, Stagecoach, Manchester to Flixton

- Service 263, Arriva, Manchester to Altrincham

- Service X50, Stagecoach, Manchester to Trafford Centre

Advice for your journey

- Plan ahead if you are travelling on either of the two days

- Avoid driving into or near the area if at all possible. Use the maps in our picture gallery to see the most-affected areas

- Use the motorway network if you are travelling across the city

- Tram, train and walking will be the best way to watch the event

- Expect tram and train services to be busier than usual