Ivanhoe Runners will celebrate their 30th year anniversary 'take 2' of the Aldi Ashby 20 road race next month.

The initial 30th anniversary was planned for 2020, but as we all know this was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Last year, they successfully organised the first virtual Ashby 20, with 1,200 athletes from throughout the UK taking part.

But this year, on March 20, around 1,500 runners will be welcomed to Ashby.

They will participate in the two-lap circuit around the local villages of Packington, Swepstone, Heather and Normanton Le Heath - finishing on Ashby Bath Grounds.

The event, which is ideally placed for pre-spring marathon distance runners, has again received a 'gold award' by the British Association of Road Races, who are involved in the governance and standards setting for the sport of road running.

The Aldi Ashby 20 is a fantastic community event, which over the years has raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

The 2022 event will again be supporting Wishes 4 Kids, Teenage Cancer Trust, and in addition, as a thanks you to the NHS, several NHS employees will be taking part.

The event also brings money to local business including shops, restaurants and hotels.

Aldi continues to be the main sponsor, with Everyone Active (Ashby Leisure Centre & Lido) providing the prizes for the Paul Enion award which is given to a local female and male runner, who completes the race.

There are many other organisations involved in supporting this award-winning local event including Ashby Castle Rotary Club, Explorer Scouts, Ashby Spa WI, Leicestershire Search and Rescue, Conkers Parkrun, Ashby Town Council, along with many other local community groups.

Traffic arrangements

• A one-way operation will be in place for the majority of the race route.

• Vehicles will not be allowed to drive in the direction of the runners which is Packington - Swepstone - Heather - Normanton - Packington.

• The map indicates the direction of the runners.

• The one way system for cars will therefore be in a clockwise direction of the route.

• Two short sections will be fully closed for a short period (Upper Packington Rd from Leicester Rd to Lower Packington 9.50-10.10 and Ashby Rd from Lower Packington Road 9.50-10.15).

• Mill Street is closed approx. 09.05-14.15 at the junction with High Street.

• 3-way traffic lights will operate from approx. 08.00– 14.30 at Gallows Lane/Swepstone Road junction.

• Stop/Go boards will be used on Heather Main Street to keep it open in BOTH directions.

• Diversions are in place to avoid Gallows Lane (passing Springs) via Measham, and from Swepstone to Heather to get you safely beyond Heather Main Street.

• Please see the race website for more details HERE.