The 1,200 starting places were all taken up by the end of March, and Sunday will see the spectacle of them setting out from Beverley Minster at 11.15am in front of what is expected to be a big crowd of spectators. The race ends at Wednesday Market.

Meanwhile, the annual fun run which attracts youngsters, families and company teams, starts at 10.30am from Beverley Leisure Centre.

Among the favourites to claim the 10K title is five-times winner Darran Bilton, now Pickering based. He finished 28th in last month’s London Marathon in 2hrs 23mins 49secs, and was the 10th Briton to finish and race winner in the veterans category for runners over 40.

“Darran’s split time for the first 10k of the London Marathon was almost fast enough to win a 10k, so he looks to be in peak condition and will certainly make it tough for the others,” said 10K race director Andy Tate of Beverley Athletic Club.

“But there are other contenders who will want to take his crown which should make it an exciting race.

“There are plenty of attractions alongside the race so there will be a great atmosphere in the town.”

Race sponsors are commercial property specialists Garness Jones.