REGULAR runners will see a change of route for the 17th annual Darlington 10k Road Run, which was officially launched yesterday.

More than 1,000 runners are expected to pound the streets for charity as the town grinds to a halt on Sunday, August 11.

But this time the race will take a different route because of new police safety regulations.

For the first time, the runners will follow a two-lap circuit, along Stanhope Road, Woodlands Road, Carmel Road and Coniscliffe Road, finishing in the town centre.

Young athletes aged 13 to 18 will also be able to take part in a 3.5km junior race for the first time.

Jeff Dawson, events manager for Darlington Borough Council, said it had been organised following requests from young runners last year, who wanted something more competitive than the 2km fun run for children, which takes place alongside the main race.

Mr Dawson said that last year saw the largest field of runners ever entering the race, breaching the 1,000 mark for the first time.

He is hopeful that even more entries will flood in this year.

"With the new route we hope to make the race an even safer experience for the runners," he said.

"There will be more roads closed off and more areas of the town traffic-free than ever before. We hope it will be the fastest 10km yet."

Since the annual event began, it has raised between £30,000 and £40,000 for charity.

Runners all receive a 10k road race T-shirt, which has a new design this year.

Darlington's CD Bramall Ford Dealership is the main sponsor for the event for the second year running, and it is also being supported by The Northern Echo and radio station Alpha 103.2FM.

CD Bramall's car sales manager, Richard McVay, and a colleague ran last year's event dressed as Batman and Robin. Staff at the company are planning another event for this year's race.

He said: "My one fitness tip for athletes this year is not to eat a full English breakfast ten minutes before running - I did that last year and felt really sick all through the race."

* The application form for the race will appear in Friday's edition.