Children from Greyfriars school in King's Lynn helped launch next year's Grand East Anglia Run 10K.
The race, which takes place on the streets of Lynn, is in for a change of pace in 2017 with new organisers Jane Tomlinson's Run For All.
The not-for-profit company has entered into a partnership with Alive Leisure and West Norfolk Council to run the annual event which next year takes place on Sunday, April 30.
Run For All is part of the lasting legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson who raised almost £2m for charity through a series of endurance challenges, despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.
Its stable of events already includes successful 10ks in Leeds, Lincoln, Sheffield, York, and Nottingham, plus half marathons and marathons.
The new partnership – which will see the event renamed the Asda Foundation Gear 10K - was officially announced today by Norfolk-born former England, Manchester City and Leeds United footballer Danny Mills.
He said: 'It's really exciting news that the Gear 10K will be added to Run For All's successful series of events.
'Run For All events are always fantastic fun and are brilliant at encouraging people of all abilities to take part.
'I know the Gear 10K is already really popular and I hope that in 2017 even more people will come and take a run at it - and help to support some fantastic local and regional charities.'
Claire Emery, assistant headteacher at Greyfriars Primary School, said: 'We have been involved in the Mini Gear run for a few years now. We promote health and fitness at the school and it's an excellent opportunity for the children to take part in the race.'
Elizabeth Nockolds, the borough council's cabinet member for culture, heritage and health, said the race had grown exponentially since it started in 2006.
She added: 'We are delighted to now have the experience and expertise of the Run For All team on board to ensure that the event continues to grow and continues to attract people from across the country to King's Lynn.'
Also new for 2017 is the launch of the Bespak Gear 10K Corporate Challenge where companies will battle it out to be crowned the fastest firm in the race. Entry is open to teams of five or more and includes hospitality and other benefits.
And it will also see the return of the popular Bespak Mini Gear - a 1.2-mile fun run for people of all ages and abilities (entrants must be six years and up) from Tuesday Market Place. Every finisher will receive a Mini Gear medal and a goody bag to show off their achievements.
Keyvan Djamarani, managing director of Bespak, said: 'Bespak has sponsored and supported Gear for over 10 years.
'Bespak is proud to be associated with Gear 10K and sponsoring the Mini Gear and the Gear 10K Corporate Challenge event.'
The 2017 run route will follow the same as the popular 2016 course.
Entries for 2017 are now open at www.runforall.com/gear10k/ or www.grandeastangliarun.co.uk/
Will you be taking part in next year's Gear? Tell us why. Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk
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