Hundreds of people are preparing to pull on their trainers and pound the streets of Great Yarmouth as entries open for the East Coast Run 2014.

Norwich Evening News: Action from the 2012 East Coast 10k run and Marathon in Yarmouth. Start of the 10K run.Action from the 2012 East Coast 10k run and Marathon in Yarmouth. Start of the 10K run. (Image: Archant © 2012)

The 10km road race, on October 19, is open all abilities and anyone aged 16 and over.

Organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council in association with the Great Yarmouth Road Runners, 541 runners took part last year and it is hoped more will join in this autumn.

Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Marlene Fairhead, officially opened entries last night, meeting members of the running club outside of St George's Theatre which will be the race headquarters on the day.

The circuit itself starts and ends at St George's Park, and includes historic and tourist landmarks around the town and seafront.

Bernard Williamson, the borough council's cabinet member for transformation and regeneration, said: 'The aim of the East Coast Run is to encourage people of all abilities to get active and take part in a large community event.

Rod Shulver, the running club's treasurer and deputy race director, said: 'Of all the races in our calendar, this is the biggest and is always well supported, with families creating a wonderful atmosphere near the finishing line.

'It is also a great showcase for the town and brings people in from across the region. A total of 541 took part last year, with scores signing up in advance, so the hope is that we will top that as awareness grows.'

The run starts at 10.30am and each runner will be fitted with a bar code to log their finishing time. All finishers will receive a quality bespoke memento and the over 18s will also be presented with a bottle of Adnams beer.

This year's race is supported by Active Norfolk, Adnams, Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership and St George's Theatre. Entry and race details are available online at www.gyrr.co.uk.

Do you have a Great Yarmouth story? Email lauren.rogers@archant.co.uk.