MOTORISTS around Stubbington and Titchfield are being warned to expect traffic delays this weekend.

The 25th Stubbington 10km road race this Sunday has attracted a record 1,800 runners.

To cater for the race, organisers Stubbington Green Runners & AC have, in conjunction with the Highways Agency, secured road closures for eight kilometres of the route.

Diversions have been put in place, but according to race director Gary Littlecott, disruption to traffic should be minimal. “We have notified business es and homes along the race route, and signage has been put up by the AA to notify motorists of the road closures,” he said.

The race starts in Titchfield Road, Stubbington, at 10am on Sunday, and the B3334 road from Stubbington to the A27 roundabout will be shut for about an hour from 9.30am.

As the race passes, there will be rolling road closures along Bridge Street and Coach Hill in Titchfield, and down Posbrook Lane, to the Meon Foreshore. Titchfield should be clear of all runners by 10.45am.

The last couple of kilometres will see runners head up Crofton Lane and Bells Lane, on to Stubbington Lane towards Stubbington Square. Traffic will be diverted to the Gosport Road throughout the morning, while Stubbington Square is expected to remain closed from 8.30am until 1pm.

Last year’s race was cancelled for the first time in its history because of heavy snowfall.

Gary Littlecott added: “We have our fingers crossed for the weather this year. We would like to apologise for the disruption to motorists and residents.”