ONE of Eastleigh town centre's biggest events is under way.

Almost 3,000 runners are taking part in the Hendy Eastleigh 10k, which has attracted competitors from across the UK.

The entrants are competing for more than £3,000 worth of prizes, with the winning man and woman each receiving £250.

New for this year is the Hendy Achievement awards, where runners who took part in the 2018 race will receive a prize if they achieve a faster time this year.

The winner is expected to take about half an hour to complete the course.

All runners who finish the race will be given a commemorative medal and T-shirt.

More than 300 children are set to run in a fun run around Fleming Park which starts at 11am.

Race organiser Steve Collins said: “It’s great the people of Eastleigh really get behind the Hendy Eastleigh 10k.

“It provides such a great day for the town.

“The event has been more popular than ever with hundreds on a waiting list wanting to take part in the event.

"It's now one of the biggest and best 10ks in the UK with many top class runners from throughout the country setting off alongside hundreds of fun runners, many of whom will be raising money for charity.”

Minor traffic disruption is expected with Passfield Avenue closed until10.30am.

Other routes affected by road closures include Shakespeare Road, Twyford Road, Woodside Avenue, Derby Road, Desborough Road and Chestnut Avenue.

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