BUSINESSES are being asked to show their competitive side by signing up to a city fun run.

Colleagues are being encouraged to enter workplace teams in this year’s Prince Bishops Durham City Run.

Staff can take on the 10k or 5k races on Wednesday, July 19 as part of the Best Bar None Corporate Challenge, with the winning team presented with a trophy and £500 of shopping vouchers.

More than 2,000 runners are expected to take party in this year’s event over the city’s challenging cobbled streets and undulating roads, backed by thousands of spectators cheering them on around the course.

Businesses need to put forward at least four members of staff to compete in the BBN Corporate Challenge, at least two runners in both the 10k and 5k events and teams must include both men and women.

Runners must enter a race individually at durhamcityrun.com and, once registered, workmates can log into their account to update their details to register the team for the corporate challenge.

The finishing positions of the first four runners, including at least one of each gender, will be added together and the lowest combined score will win the title.

Carol Feenan, city centre manager for Durham County Council, added: “I hope that firms will encourage employees to participate in this new initiative in the city centre.”

The Durham City Run 10k costs £24 to enter for unaffiliated runners and £22 for UK Athletics-affiliated club. The price for the Durham City Run 5k is £15 (£13 for club runners).