A RACING track will be swapping fast cars for speedy sprinters as an annual running event returns to town.

The Pitstop Festival, hosted by Darlington Harriers, will be held at Croft Circuit, near Darlington, next month, with new additions being added to the 18-year tradition.

George Rutherford, one of the event's organisers, said: “Running has become one of the town’s most popular community sports with the very popular parkrun every Saturday in South Park and the annual Darlington 10km.

"We would like to continue this by making the Pitstop part of the community calendar. This year we have added a 5km to the schedule and we are very excited to have two new local partners supporting the event."

The festival will also include a kids fun run, 10km wheelchair race and classic 10km. Chip timing will also be available for the first time for the 5km and 10km race.

Darlington property firm My Property Box are sponsoring cash prizes for participants with Darlington MIND being the official charity partner.

A pint of alcohol-free beer will be given to every runner.

To enter, visit racebest.co.uk or darlingtonharriers.co.uk