Roads to close for popular Wolverhampton marathon

This map shows the route more than 1,500 runners will trace, with a series of road closures due to be put in place.

Organisers today revealed that a total of 1,750 people have signed up so far to take part in the event that always proves to be hugely – more than last year.

And competitors still have the chance to register tomorrow by heading to West Park, where organisers will be on hand to process applications.

This year's marathon includes a 26-mile course or a 13-mile run, a children's mini marathon and a 20k cycle ride and 20k wheelchair race.

For the first time ever, it will also feature a new 10k run, which organisers today said was proving popular.

Mary Harding, chairwoman of the event planning committee, said: "We're really, really pleased about the number of people who have signed up.

"But we will be taking late entries at West Park on Saturday too."

She said the final preparations were well under way for the annual event, which is one of the highlights of the city's calendar.

Last year's marathon raised more than £15,000 for charities and it is hoped that total will be matched or beaten for 2013.

Drivers were today reminded that road closures will be in place, some starting from 8am – 55 minutes before the wheelchair race gets under way.

Cyclists will be getting on their bikes from 9am, the full and half marathons will start at 9.15am and the sounding gun for the children's mini marathon will be sounded at 9.25am.

The new Banks' 10k run will start at 9.40am.

Park Road East, Park Road West and Albert Road will both be closed from around 8am to 3.30pm as people pass through on the race.

Tettenhall Road up to Chapel Ash, Ring Road, Waterloo Road, Newhampton Road East and Hunter Street will be closed or restricted from around 8.30am to around 10.15am, or until all the runners have passed through.

Hordern Road from Court Road to Aldersley Road traffic lights will be made one way in the direction of the race from 8.45am, while Aldersley Road from its junction with Hordern Road to Oxley Moor Road will also be closed.

Oxley Moor Road from Green Lane to Blaydon Road will be closed from 8.45am until around 1.15pm.

Lower Street will become one way from Aldersley Road to The Rock from 8.30am to around 2.30pm.

Charities set to benefit from this year's event will be Compton Hospice, Midlands Air Ambulance and Sunnyside Kennels, as well as the mayoral charities.