Thirteen roads that will close for Torbay Half Marathon

Drivers warned that key roads will be shut for several hours

Thirteen roads in Paignton and Torquay will be closed on Sunday morning as one of Torbay's most popular events makes its return. Hundreds of runners will be taking part in the Torbay Half Marathon and 10K on September 29.

Runners of all abilities will be pounding the streets along the spectacular seafront route. Enthusiastic crowds will be cheering them on and enjoying some on course entertainment.

As a result, a number of major roads will be closed for about six hours from 7am. Organisers have issued some advice for those taking part.

The official website states the main seafront road between Torquay and Paignton will be closed well before the race starts. It adds: "Please allow extra time to get to the event and follow any diversion signs."

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A number of key roads between Paignton seafront and Torquay harbour will be shut. Runners in the half marathon will embark on a two-lap route starting and finishing on Paignton Green. The course will take them through Preston and Livermead to Torquay and back - twice.

The race itself start at 9am. Organisers say: "We have partnered up with Dartline Coaches to provide a convenient shuttle service from Plymouth to Torbay for the Ocean Healthcare Torbay Half Marathon & 10k.

"We recommend [parking at] Victoria Car Park in Garfield Rd Paignton TQ4 6AU. Other car parks and some on street parking are available, but maybe limited at this time of year, please also take into account that road closures are in place. It will be busy, please arrive in good time and car share where possible."

All finishers will receive a high quality metal medal and T-shirt. There will be trophies for the podium winners of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place male and female finisher.

The return of the event, which didn't take place in 2023, has been welcomed by charities, as it raises thousands of pounds for good causes. It is anticipated that up to 50 per cent of competitors in Torbay will take part for charity.

The longer race begins at 9am next to Paignton Pier while the 10k starts 20 minutes later. Nearly 1,400 runners completed the last pre-pandemic Torbay Half in 2019.

Torbay Council says: "To safely facilitate the event, the main seafront roads between Torquay and Paignton will be closed between 7am and 2pm. Parking suspensions are also in place along the route.

"If you are planning to watch the runners, please allow extra time to get to the event and follow any diversion signs.

"Not sure where to park, find details of Torquay and Paignton parking locations on our website: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/parking/car-parks/"

The following road closures will be in place on Sunday between 7am and noon: Paignton - Eastern Esplanade, Esplanade Road, Marine Drive, Manor Road (between junctions with Marine Drive and Morin Road), Morin Road, Orient Road, Pier Approach, Seaway Road, Torquay Road (from junction with Seaway Road to Torbay Road). Torquay - Falkland Road (between junctions with Rathmore Road and Avenue Road), Rathmore Road (between junctions with Torbay Road and Falkland Road), The Kings Drive, Torbay Road.

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