Market Harborough Half Marathon is coming back for a second edition, with entries opening on Friday 2 October following a successful debut that attracted almost 1,000 runners.

Race Harborough will stage the 2027 Snap Fitness Market Harborough Half Marathon on Sunday 16 May, with ambitions to grow the field to around 1,500.

There will be a slightly amended route this time, although the basic character remains. The race will start and finish close to Welland Park before heading through the countryside surrounding Market Harborough, while the Event Village will again be based inside the park.

Community support was one of the features of the inaugural event, particularly through the villages along the route, and organisers hope to build on that atmosphere next May.

Race Harborough also wants the Half Marathon to become increasingly connected with the town itself. Local businesses are being encouraged to participate, with opportunities to trade in the Event Village as well as become official partners or supporters.

Three local charities are expected to become official charity partners, while entrants will also have the option to support Market Harborough's Jubilee Food Bank.

The first edition established the race. With a bigger field planned, a slightly revised route and ambitions to involve even more of the local community, 2027 is about seeing how far Market Harborough can take it.

You can enter the 2027 race now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy Jake Simmons/JSI Media.