GET ready to lace up your trainers for a new running event coming to Worthing on Valentine’s Day.

The Worthing Half Marathon and Mini Mile will take runners through the town which lends itself to a “flat fast course” starting out from Marine Parade.

The inaugural race on February 14 2016 will see athletes navigate around Worthing before returning to the seafront for the home stretch.

Registration is now open and the event is partnered with care services charity Guild Care.

Katie Banister, community relationship officer at Guild Care, says: “If you’d like to support children with special needs, older people living alone, carers and people living with the debilitating effects of dementia, please run for Guild Care and help make a difference today.

“We can’t wait to cheer everyone on at the Worthing Half Marathon – good luck to everyone who takes part.”

Between 2,000 and 5,000 people are expected to take part and Richard Xerri, race director, said the new half marathon will be “fantastic for beginners and fast times”.

He added: “Being Valentine’s Day we want people to enter and run their valentine off their feet.

“I am excited to be assisting Guild Care in their fundraising efforts and supporting the local community with this event.”

The Mini Mile will be open to one thousands children between the ages of five and 17 – aiming to encourage more children to take up running and join sports clubs.

The race is being run by Perseverance Events who also organise the races such as the Kingston Half Marathon and the London Enduro 12 Hour endurance challenge.

Councillor Daniel Humphreys, leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “This half marathon is going to be an excellent addition to Worthing’s rapidly growing sporting events programme, and I’m pleased to see that it will cater to everyone - regardless of age or ability.

"I’m even going to give it a go myself.

“The town is rapidly making a name for itself as a place to come and get motivated - whether to train for a half-marathon, take up watersports or get a new business off the ground.

“These are exciting times for Worthing and I’m delighted that events such as these are giving us opportunities to really show our area off to its best.”

To enter your place in the Worthing Half Marathon or Mini Mile visit www.worthinghalf.co.uk.