THREE major athletics events are being held in Bishop Auckland this weekend.

The New Balance Running Fitness road race will take place on Sunday morning, starting in the grounds of Auckland Castle.

A record number of more than 800 runners will take part in the 10km race, which is in its fourth year. Some of Britain's top distance runners and overseas stars will take part alongside club runners and fitness enthusiasts.

Hoping to cross the finishing line first will be Kenyan athletes Julius Kimtai, course record holder and twice winner, as well as Michael Rotich and Willy Kirui. Also entered are Julius Kibet and Marc Verijdt.

Women taking part include favourites Yelana Burykina of Russia and Miriam Wangari of Kenya.

This year's event will be bigger than ever as it will include the National Veterans' 10km Championship for men and women.

And thanks to the success of previous road races it has been decided to include the annual North versus South, Midlands versus Wales inter-area match. The race will start at Market Place and Bondgate at 9.30am, and takes in two laps of Bishop Auckland, passing through Market Place and the grounds of Auckland Castle. The race will also finish at the castle.

Motorists will have to use an alternative route through the town as roads through the Market Place will be closed from 8.45am.