RUNNERS across the region are being urged to sign up to an annual event that encourages people to get fit while having fun.

The Darlington 10k Road Run, now in its 19th year, regularly attracts more than 1,000 participants of all ages and abilities, and raises thousands of pounds for good causes each year.

The event, in Darlington town centre, will be held on Sunday, August 13.

As well as the 10km route, a 3km junior race and family fun run will also be held. More than 1,100 people took part last year, and organisers hope the turnout this year will be higher.

The race is a key annual event in The Northern Echo's A Chance to Live campaign, which highlights the importance of taking steps to prevent heart disease.

The campaign was launched in 2000, after the death of the newspaper's deputy chief photographer, Ian Weir, who had a fatal heart attack aged only 38 after he waited nearly eight months for a triple heart bypass operation.

Some minor changes will be made to the route because of the ongoing £6.5m Pedestrian Heart project, and the start and finish lines could move.

Prizes will be given to individuals and teams who clock up impressive times, and everyone to cross the finish line will be given a T-shirt.

The run is sponsored by Sherwoods Chevrolet, and supported by The Northern Echo, Darlington Borough Council, Highland Spring, Saucony, Darlington Primary Care Trust and Alpha fm.

Alasdair MacConachie, managing director of sponsor Sherwoods, said they were proud to sponsor the event.

Peter Barron, the editor of The Northern Echo, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the Darlington 10K Road Run as part of our ongoing Chance To Live campaign to promote healthy living. Good luck to everyone taking part."

* To enter, complete the form on page 9 of today's Northern Echo.