THE Echo is officially sponsoring the Great West Run's 5k race.

The new addition to the event, which will take place on Sunday, May 3, will precede the half-marathon and follow a two-lap course around the city centre.

The Great West Run, now in its 25th year, has held similar 5k runs before, but never on the same day as the half marathon.

The 5k race has a capacity for 400 participants and is suitable for those looking for a lighter challenge.

Great West Run organiser Mark Cowen, 28, is delighted to have the Echo on board.

"We have always had a good relationship with the Express & Echo and we've always received great coverage," he said. "We were really happy when the paper agreed to sponsor our new 5k event."

Mark is hoping that the 5k race will attract more people to the event.

"This shorter race is much more accessible and a lot more achievable than a half-marathon, so we think more people will get involved," he said. "It is an ideal race for newcomers to running, older runners or anyone who has recently recovered from a physical injury and wants to take it a bit easier.

"We are hoping that by holding it on the same day as the half marathon, the 5k will get a much higher profile and lots of its own spectators giving their support."

Echo editor Marc Astley added: "The Great West Run is now a firm fixture in Exeter's sporting diary and I was delighted when Pete Ferlie, the race director, offered us the opportunity to sponsor the 5k event.

"We will be urging those who take part to raise funds for our very successful We Care campaign so it won't just be the participants who will benefit."

To apply for the Echo's Great West 5k visit www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk or visit Iron Bridge Runner, Lower North Street, to pick up an application form.