RUNNERS will race around a busy shopping centre at an annual sporting event.

Entry is now open for the Brackenwood Festival 5k which will take place on Sunday, June 7 in Festival Place shopping centre.

The race, which is organised by Destination Basingstoke and sponsored by Brackenwood Windows, will see runners will make their way around the centre before looping around the Top of The Town, Eastrop Park and Basing View.

The race is suitable for anyone over the age of 13.

Steven Connolly, centre director at Festival Place, said: “We are looking forward to hosting the Brackenwood 5k run again this year. This is a very special event for us – where else can you run a proper UKA (UK Athletics) race through the middle of a shopping centre?

“We look forward to welcoming runners and their families for this unique event that combines running and shopping.”

A warm-up will be led by Patricia Lopez, a yoga coach from Time 4 Training, which will also offer entrants a free consultation and training plan.

Physical Balance, a group of specialist practitioners dedicated to the treatment and relief of musco-skeletal pain, will provide sports massages for competitors on the day for a small donation to St Michael’s Hospice.

To enter the race visit destinationbasingstoke.co.uk.