People of all ages are being urged to put on their trainers and sign up for a brand new event for North Ayrshire, launched this week at Saltcoats prom.

Registration is now open for the North Ayrshire Athletics Club debut 10k road race, which is aimed at both experienced and first time runners.

Sponsored by both KA Leisure and North Ayrshire Council, the race hopes to attract people from all over North Ayrshire and beyond.

The race, nicknamed ‘Race The Prom’ will take runners on a scenic route along Ardrossan and Saltcoats promenade, before heading for a loop of Auchenharvie Golf course.

The race will start and finish at the athletics track at St Matthew’s Academy and will be on a mainly flat course, appealing to all different ages and abilities.

There will also be 3k family fun run on the day.

North Ayrshire Athletics Club Vice Chairman, Michael Murray, said: “It is great news for the people of North Ayrshire to have a race like this on our doorstep and we’re hoping for lots of support from local people on the day to come out and cheer on the runners, many of whom will be doing it for charity.

“This is going to be a great event.

"We are opening the race to 1000 runners in the 10k and hope to have a good few hundred in the family fun run.

"It is a mainly flat route and will be ideal for both experienced runners looking for a new personal best or for those looking to take part in their first 10k.

“The club would also like to thank KA Leisure, Scottish Athletics and North Ayrshire Council for their support of our new venture.” Audrey Sutton, Head of Service for Connected Communities at North Ayrshire Council, said: “The organisers have found a suitable and interesting route around the Three Towns which should encourage runners of all abilities to take part.

“It will also showcase some lovely North Ayrshire scenery and hopefully encourage non-local competitors to return to the area again.

“I’m sure the event will be hugely popular for the competitors and communities alike so the organisers deserve real credit for bringing this to the area.

"We were absolutely delighted to support it and I wish everyone all the best of luck on the big day.” Stephen Browning, Senior Sports Development Officer at KA Leisure commented: “K:A Leisure are delighted to be a partner in this new annual event which we hope will inspire the whole community to be more active more often.” The 10k route has been officially measured by Scottish Athletics and all timing will be done by state of the art electric individual chip devices to ensure the most accurate of times.

"The race costs £12 to enter (£10 if you are a Scottish Athletics member). All finishers will receive a goodie bag which includes a sport fit specially designed MoreMile t-shirt and other sporting kit worth £20.

To enter the race, visit www.entrycentral.com.

Those interested in entering the 10k as a first timer, or those looking to improve their fitness level before the race, may be interested in North Ayrshire Athletics Club ‘Jogscotland’ group, which runs on a Tuesday evening (6-7pm) and a Sunday morning (9.30-10.30am) at the track at St Matthew’s Academy. The group is mixed ability from complete beginners to those who have been jogging for some time.

Qualified coaches will work on developing your stamina, endurance and core strength to make sure you are running to the best of your ability in no time.

The club will also be launching a ’10 week to 10k’ training programme, starting at the end of June for those interested in entering a 10k for the first time.