MORE than 1,000 people from across the North-East are expected to get on their marks this weekend for an annual charity race.

Preparations are well under way to make sure the Darlington 10k Road Run goes smoothly on Sunday.

About 4,000 bottles of water have been delivered to the town centre to refresh the runners once they pass the finish line, and a "behind-the-scenes" team has finalised the road closures and course route.

The popular event is being split into three categories - a fun run at 9.15am, a 3.5k junior road at 9.45am and the main 10k race at 10.30am.

The day is being sponsored by Darlington-based car dealership Sherwoods Chevrolet and is in aid of two worthy causes.

Most of the proceeds from the races will be split between Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital and St Teresa's Hospice.

Funeral director John Whitehouse, however, is taking to the road to raise much-needed funds for a local bereavement charity.

Swapping funeral garb for sports gear and running shoes, the 33-year-old is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for Tees Valley Cruse Bereavement Care, which offers support for people who have lost a loved one.

"I was persuaded by my friend, Ian Dunnabie, to do the run and thought I would like to do it for charity," said Mr Whitehouse, who is based in West Auckland Road, Cockerton.

"I know from my work the power of grief and as a funeral director realise there is only so much we can do to help.

"If people struggle to move through the grieving process it can be very damaging and I am glad we have Cruse to refer them to. They do a fabulous job in helping people and I am delighted to support them."

Marion Pickersgill, chairwoman of Cruse in the North-East, said: "I think it is brilliant that John is taking part in the run and even better that he has chosen to do this for us. Anything he raises will be well received and help us to continue our valuable work."

Most runners have already signed up for the race, but there is still time to take part as entries are being accepted on the day.

To find out more, visit www.runnersworld.co.uk

RACE ROUTES AND ROAD CLOSURES

10 km Road Run (2 Laps)

Start: Prebend Row 02 Shop, West Row, Blackwellgate, Coniscliffe Road, Stanhope Road, Woodlands Road, Carmel Road North, Coniscliffe Road, Stanhope Road, Woodlands Road, Carmel Road North, Coniscliffe Road, Blackwellgate.

Finish: High Row

Fun Run 2 laps)

Start: Prebend Row, Bondgate, Skinnergate, Blackwellgate.

Finish: High Row

3k Junior Race

Start: Prebend Row 02 Shop, West Row, Blackwellgate, Coniscliffe Road, then turn just prior to Elm Ridge Roundabout and return on same route.

Road closures

From 6am to 2pm, unless otherwise stated.

Horsemarket; Bully Wynd; East Road (Bakehouse Hill to Horsemarket); Tubwell Row (West Row to Church Row); West Row; Prebend Row; High Row; Post House Wynd; Skinnergate; Priestgate (Priestgate Back Street to Prebend Row); Northgate (Prospect Place to Crown Street); Prospect Place; Bondgate (Prospect Place to Inner Ring Road); Commercial Street (Bondgate to King Street); Duke Street (Raby Terrace to Skinnergate); Houndgate (Beaumont Street to Blackwellgate); Blackwellgate; Coniscliffe Road (Skinnergate to Elm Ridge roundabout); Stanhope Road (10.15am to noon); West Street (9am to noon); Woodlands Road (Stanhope Road to Staindrop Road, 9am to noon); Carmel Road (North Staindrop Road to Coniscliffe Road, 9am to noon).