A 10-kilometre race in Hale is expected to attract more than a thousand runners next month, including a former Olympian.

Around 1,500 runners are set to take part in the Watersons Hale 10K race on Sunday, February 19.

Previous race winners Ross Millington, who represented Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and Sophie Wood have already re-entered this year’s event.

The route by event founder and Hale resident, Mark Durston, will take participants through Hale village and out into the countryside of Ashley, along scenic lanes, and over to Ashley Hall where the race will end and a shorter 3-kilometre run will be held.

The Watersons Hale 10k is supporting the Toy Appeal which provides sacks of toys to thousands of children living in poverty at Christmas with £2 of each entrance fee going directly to the charity.

Entrants looking to further support the Toy Appeal are encouraged to make a small donation when registering.

There is also £1,500 in prize money to be won by runners participating in the race with product prizes available and a trophy for the first man and first woman over the finishing line.

All finishers will receive a bespoke commemorative race medal and D-Tag timing chips will record every participant’s individual race time.

Founder Mark Durston said: “The North-West is home to some of the world’s best sports teams and events.

“With the Watersons Hale 10K, we are bringing something new to the sports calendar with an inclusive, family-friendly and yet challenging event.

“As a keen runner I have first-hand knowledge of the area and I believe it provides the perfect 10K route for the area, combined with a superb shorter 3K at Ashley Hall, the event is proving to be a fantastic family day out for the calendar.”

Peter Waterson, owner and managing director of Watersons independent estate agents, the headline sponsor of the Hale 10K, added: “I am extremely proud that Watersons has served the people of Hale, Altrincham and the surrounding areas for over 20 years.

“Having lived in the village all my life and as a regular Altrincham and District Athletic Club runner I have wanted to be able to do something for my community and as such the Hale 10K was right up my street.”

Entries for the race are now open and entry rates cost from £23 per person for the 10K race and £10 per person for the 3K race.

To enter go to www.hale10k.com/