A marathon effort expected by Milton Keynes runners this weekend

Organisers have promised them a flatter, faster course together with a dramatic finish at stadium MK.

They have devised new routes to make the most of the city’s green spaces while putting participants through their paces.

There will also be a whole new pre-marathon event – in the form of the Rocket 5km.

This fast, downhill dash will be held on Sunday.

Other fun events on the agenda will be the MK Marathon Relay and the ever-popular Superhero Fun Run.

Andy Hully, event director, said: “The course starts on wide open roads and runners get the same iconic finish inside StadiumMK that they love.”

They will also receive an “awesome “medal, said Andy.

As a bonus, runners who complete both the MK Rocket 5k on Sunday and either the marathon, half marathon or relay on Monday will receive even more bling.

They’ll be awarded the MK Challenge Medal to mark their double effort.

As the thousands of runners take to the streets, some road closures will be in place.

Details of the road closures can be found on the MK Marathon website at mkmarathon.com/residents-information.

Good luck to everyone participating.