A record number of people are expected to take to Bradford’s streets for this weekend’s City Runs.

The event, held this Sunday, will see participants choose between a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and a children’s race for the under-11s, which will kick off the action at 9am.

A record 1,250 people are expected to sign up for the challenge, after 1,076 people took part in last year’s event.

The route will take runners through Bradford city centre, including around the Broadway shopping centre, Little Germany and the University of Bradford. The 5k laps start and finish by City Park.

Organisers are looking to raise funds for the University of Bradford’s Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit (PSBRU) appeal. People have until 6pm tomorrow to sign up for any of runs.

Mark Hetherington, City Runs race director, said: “At the moment, it is looking like about 1,250 people will be taking part. That is at least 100 more than this time last year.

“I think it has become more popular since we changed the course last year, to make it more of a city centre loop. It is now a more attractive route for runners than the previous one. It is certainly growing a reputation as a proper city centre event.

“The children’s race is also popular. It is one of the most successful children’s races in terms of encouraging participation among different sections of the community. You don’t see that as much at other events.”

Meanwhile, Bradford City Women’s players will take part in the 5k run, alongside a new fan. City Women held a bucket collection at Valley Parade when Stuart McCall’s side beat Rotherham United last month, and Bob Hudson was taken in by the club’s cause.

He will raise money for the Bantams’ ladies side by taking part in Sunday’s half-marathon.

Though both senior teams would usually have a game, the FA Women’s Premier League granted the club a free Sunday to participate in the run.

Unlike some clubs, City Women receive no financial backing from their male counterparts and the players pay to play each season.

To support the players, and Hudson, go to bcwfc.co.uk to donate to the Justgiving page.

Meanwhile, a Bradford councillor will be taking part in the City Runs’ half-marathon in memory of a man who died of cancer. Cllr Richard Dunbar (Lab, Thornton and Allerton) has set up a fundraising campaign in honour of Alan Jackson, who died of oesophageal, or gullet, cancer earlier this year, aged 60. He aims to raise at least £1,000 for the Oesophageal Cancer Charity (Ochre).

Cllr Dunbar said: “Alan’s family will be there on the day to see me off, which is touching and poignant. Everybody is doing it for a related cause and that is my motivation too, despite my distinct lack of motivation. It will be a good day for Bradford and the people taking part enjoying something positive as well.”

Go to justgiving.com/fundraising/rememberingbigal to make a donation.

Entry to any of the City Runs’ races ranges from £12 for the 5k for people who are members of a running club, to £22 for people aged 17 or over taking part in the half-marathon who do not belong to a running club. Entry to any of the races will not be available on Sunday.

Go to bradfordcityruns.co.uk to sign up.