Novice and seasoned joggers alike are urged to get their running shoes on and their entries in for the East Coast Run 2016.

Advance entries are now open for the 10km road race, which is thought to be the best entry-level course in the UK, popular among those running a longer-distance race for the first time because the route is flat.

Organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, in association with the Great Yarmouth Road Runners, this year's run takes place on Sunday, October 16 and all people aged 16 and over can take part. More than 500 runners, a record number, took part last year.

The circuit, which is all on-road, starts and ends at St George's Park, and includes historic and tourist landmarks around the town and seafront. The race headquarters will be St George's Theatre.

Councillor Penny Carpenter, chair of the housing and neighbourhoods committee, said: 'The East Coast Run is a chance for people of all abilities to improve their fitness while taking part in a large community event, which is also a marvellous showcase for the town.

'As well as taking in some fantastic scenery, the course is basically pancake flat and the event is professionally-managed with lots of support from staff and volunteers, so it is ideal for anyone tackling a longer-distance run for only the first or second time.

'My daughter took part last year and plans to run again this year. All the family came down to support her, a really nice memorable day.'

Jeff Helmore, the race director, who is a member of the Great Yarmouth Road Runners, said: 'If you attend the weekly parkruns at Gorleston, Fritton or other parts of Norfolk, or you are a complete novice and would like to build up to a fun physical challenge, then entering the East Coast Run is the next step for you. There's still time to train for October.

'The atmosphere on the day is always electric, with runners being cheered on around the course, and there is a real sense of achievement when you complete the course and get presented with your goodies.'

The run starts at 10.30am and each runner's performance will be timed with a chip. All finishers will receive a quality bespoke memento and the over 18s will also be presented with a bottle of Adnams beer. Each runner will receive a goody bag.

The Great Yarmouth Mercury is again the media partner for this year's race which is also supported by Adnams, Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership and St George's Theatre.

The entry fee in advance is £13 for club-affiliated runners and £15 for non-affiliated runners, or £15 and £17 respectively on the day. Entry and race details are available online at www.gyrr.co.uk