Thousands of runners are putting in the final preparations ahead of one of the region's most popular charity races.

Eastern Daily Press: The start of Mini-Gear in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian BurtThe start of Mini-Gear in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant)

On Sunday, May 6, more than 2.500 runners of all ages and abilities will line up at the start of the Asda Foundation Grand East Anglia Run (GEAR).

Now, in its 13th year the immensely popular event has sold out for the second consecutive year.

Including not just the classic 10K the event also includes the corporate 10K challenge and the Bespak mini gear event, a 1.2 mile fun run for entrants aged six and over.

The legacy of Jane Tomlinson and her Run For All inititative, this year's GEAR is organised in partnership with Alive Leisure and King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council.

Eastern Daily Press: Runners crossing the finish line of the 2017 Grand East Anglia Run. Picture: Ian BurtRunners crossing the finish line of the 2017 Grand East Anglia Run. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant)

Taking runners on a route through King's Lynn town centre, along the River Ouse pathway, the Walks and a number of landmark buildings including Red Mount, the Custom House and Greyfriairs Tower, last year saw runners cheered on by hundreds of supporters.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Run For All's head of events, said: 'Everything is on track for another hugely successful event.

'Once again, support for the Asda Foundation GEAR 10K has been fantastic and we look forward to welcoming everyone to King's Lynn.'

Raising thousands for charity each year and bolstering the local economy, entrants in the 10K can run for a good cause of their choice or the event's official partner charities which are this year West Norfolk Mind, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, regional cancer charity Big C and The Purfleet Trust.

Similarly participants in the Bespak Mini GEAR are encouraged to raise a small sum for a charity close to their hearts or the official partner charity for 2018, King's Lynn based charity Scotty's Little Soldiers.

Peter Lemon, chairman of trustees for Alive Leisure said: 'The GEAR is such an integral part of the West Norfolk event's calendar.'

Mandy Rivett, co-ordinator of the Asda Foundation, added: 'I'm sure the colour, excitement and fantastic atmosphere associated with tremendous 10K will spur the runners on.

'Everyone is looking forward to another successful run, especially the good causes that will benefit from all the runners' efforts.'