Entry is now open for this year's Bradford City Run, which is expected to attract thousands of runners.

Organisers hope the third annual city run, on Sunday, October 2, will be the biggest yet.

The 13.2-mile route was set last year after the success of a ten-mile race in 2009.

The half-marathon, which saw almost 2,000 runners take part in 2010, sets off from the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford city centre, takes a scenic route around Thornton and Denholme, before reaching Sandy Lane and heading back down to Lister Park.

A schools' trophy will be awarded to the school with the most pupils taking part.

And a 1km fun run will take place with participants running loops around Lister Park.

Bradford Council's assis-tant director for sport and leisure, Phil Barker, said: "We are thrilled that the city run is back again for a third time, and we hope to attract more entries than ever before.

"Last year's event was great fun for all who got involved, and the perfect opportunity for runners of all ages and abilities to expe-rience some of Yorkshire's most beautiful countryside.

"It's great news that the run is growing in popularity year on year and starting to be recognised as a regular date in the running calen-dar.

"Many local and national charities benefit from fundraising by people tak-ing part and we are confi-dent everyone will step up to the challenge again."

The Bradford City Run is part of Bradford Gold, the city's programme aimed at maximising the sporting, cultural and business bene-fits of the London 2012 Olympics.

Entry to the half-marathon will cost £18, and it will cost £6 for adults to enter the fun run and £4 for children.

Anyone who signs up to the half-marathon before Sunday, May 22, will get a £2 discount on their entry fee.

Entrants must be aged over 17