RUNNERS are already lining up for what the organisers hope will be their largest ever annual 10k road race.

The Newton Aycliffe road race attracts hundreds of participants across the North-East to the County Durham town.

The 2009 event is on Sunday, June 21, and entry forms are now available from organisers, Newton Aycliffe Athletic Club.

There is also a 3k fun run on the same day for those looking for a more leisurely test of their stamina.

The event is sponsored by respirator manufacturers, 3M Aycliffe, and Great Aycliffe Town Council.

Alan Kellett, facilities manager for 3M, said: "We're delighted to be supporting the race again this year.

"It's a real highpoint in the community calendar and there are a number of people here at our Aycliffe site looking forward to taking part."

The athletics club has staged the race every year since 1998 as a way of bringing the community together to take exercise.

It has also helped to raise thousands of pounds for charity through sponsorship of the runners.

Race director Mick Beadle said: "We are encouraging people to get their entries in as early as possible so they have a target to aim for. There's no better time to start training."

For an application form send a nine by six inch stamped addressed envelope to Colin Gibson, 12 Ainsty Hunt, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7PH, or visit newtonaycliffeac.org,uk.