It will be a race against time for runners to sign up for the ever popular Grand East Anglia Run (GEAR) run.

Thousands of people are expected to head to King's Lynn for the Asda Foundation GEAR 10k run, now in its 13th year.

The run is being staged for the second time by not-for-profit organisation Run for All, in partnership with Alive Leisure and West Norfolk council.

Peter Lemon, chairman of trustees for Alive Leisure, said: 'It is great for the children and it is a great atmosphere – the town comes alive. The town is buzzing and it gets children out and enjoying exercise.'

Lemon said runners should sign up quickly as limited spaces on the run means many late joiners are left disappointed.

'We filled all the spaces in the last run and we have limited number of spaces for safety reasons,' he said. 'But we are looking to alter the course to allow more people to participate.'

The route takes runners through the town centre, along the River Ouse pathway, The Walks and past a number of landmark buildings including Red Mount, the Custom House and Greyfriars Tower.

Bespak will be returning as one of event's main sponsors and heading the Bespak GEAR 10K Corporate Challenge and Bespak Mini GEAR. The Mini GEAR is a 1.2-mile fun run for people of all ages and abilities from the Tuesday Market Place.

Participants are encouraged to raise a small sum for a charity close to their hearts. In 2018, the official partner charity is children's charity Scotty's Little Soldiers.

Sarah Byrne, fundraising coordinator for Scotty's, said: 'It is all about the children getting involved and it is just amazing.'

First to cross the finish line were youngsters from Snettisham Primary School, who won £800 for their school.

They are gearing up for their next run in 2018 with training in school with West Norfolk company Edu Fit Ltd.

Hamish Chilvers, 9, said: 'It was alright, I finished second.

Bonnie Parsons, 9, said: 'We are training at school with Mr Hawkins. We hope to get more money than last year.'

The GEAR 10k run will take place on Sunday, May 6, 2018. To sign up, visit www.runforall.com.