RESIDENTS are being urged to lace up their running shoes for a new community race taking place in Leigh.

The Leigh Community 10K will see runners complete three laps of a course set up in the town centre on Sunday, August 13.

The entry fee is £17, or £15 if you run for a UK Athletics or ARC running club, with the proceeds going to the Wigan and Leigh Hospice in Hindley.

Leigh MP Andy Burnham said: “It is fantastic news that we will be having our very own 10k here in Leigh.

"The popularity of the Wigan 10K has made a very positive impact on the borough, and I believe that bringing a 10k race to Leigh can do the same.

“We have had races through Pennington Flash in the past but this race will be a great showcase for Leigh town centre, and importantly it will be a great opportunity to raise funds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice, a vital charity to people across the borough.”

Wigan and Leigh Hospice has been providing palliative care for adult patients across the borough for more than 30 years. It currently cares for more than 1,000 people with life-limiting illnesses and their families every year.

Hospice chief executive Dr Alan Baron said: “It is wonderful that a 10k is being set up in Leigh and the hospice is thrilled to be a part of it.

“We are fortunate to enjoy fantastic support from people in Leigh who donate, volunteer their time and participate in fundraising events to help us raise the £8,700 a day we need in order to deliver all our services.

"The funds raised through the Leigh Community 10K will help us to continue to provide care for people who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and support for their loved ones.”

The inaugural event is being organised through a partnership between the hospice, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, FCR Events Ltd, Leigh Harriers, Nectar Creative and Wigan Council.

To register for the race visit leigh10k.co.uk.