A SERIES of temporary road closures will be put in place when Halesowen’s biggest outdoor event takes place next month.

The sixth annual Black Country Run will take place on July 2 with thousands expected to take part and help raise much-needed funds for charities.

This year the organisers have introduced a new 5km Elite race. This race is specifically for runners that can complete 5km within 30 minutes and will start at 9am, followed by the 10km race starting at 9.45am and the Family Fun Run starting at 11.30am.

To facilitate the events, road closures will be put in place. Roads to be closed from 6am until 1.00pm are Pool Road, Great Cornbow, Rumbow, Birmingham Street, Birmingham Road and Hagley Road (section between Queensway roundabout and Hagley Street only).

And roads to be closed from 9am until 11am are Dogkennel Lane, Summer Hill (between Hagley Road and Queensway), Summer Hill (between Dogkennel Lane and Powell Street), Waxland Road and Broadway Avenue.

Alternative routes will for the town centre closures will be New Road, High Street, Queensway and Bromsgrove Street.

For other closures motorists are advised to use Blackberry Lane, Hagley Road, Huntlands Road, Blakedown Road, Pershore Road and vice-versa. Access to frontages will be maintained.

Since the event was started in 2012 by the Rotary Club of Halesowen and Rowley Regis, more than £100,000 has been raised for Black Country and national charities.

Among those being supported by runners this year include Halas Homes, Sunfield and Acorns Children’s Hospice.

To enter the event, people can register at www.theblackcountryrun.com