This year’s Amazing Northampton Run promises to be a blazing celebration as organisers prepare to mark the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton with a fiery theme for the event. Taking place on Sunday 14 September, the popular half marathon will return for its third edition, fusing sport, history and local pride in unforgettable fashion.

In 1675, the Great Fire swept through the town, destroying 700 of its 850 buildings, including the original All Saints’ Church. But from the ashes rose much of the iconic architecture that defines modern Northampton. Now, centuries later, the town’s resilience will be honoured through a race that quite literally follows the footprint of its past, maintaining its unique shoe-shaped course as a nod to Northampton’s famed boot and shoe industry.

This year’s route includes a new starting point at the historic Market Square, one of the oldest in the country, and sees the removal of the canal path to improve flow for runners. Participants will enjoy a tour of Northampton’s rich past and present, passing landmarks such as the 12th-century Church Restaurant, Carlsberg Brewery, Phipps Brewery Bar, the Walter Tull Memorial at Sixfields, Beckets Park and The Racecourse, whose colourful history includes everything from horse racing to public hangings!

The Amazing Northampton Run has quickly become more than just a half marathon, it’s a showcase of the town’s culture and a major boost to its local economy. Organisers are targeting 2,000 entrants this year, along with thousands more spectators, all set to bring a buzz to the streets, shops and businesses of Northampton.

As race day approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be the most spectacular edition yet, one that honours the town’s past while sparking pride in its future. Organisers joke: “We’re hoping to light a fire under Northampton once again, just with less painful results this time!”

If you'd like to know more, visit the Amazing Northampton Run website. Image: Amazing Northampton Run