KEEN athlete Adam Harker was the first to get his application in to run the Darlington 10k road run for charity.

Adam, 16, of Newton Aycliffe, filled in the entry form in the Northern Echo two weeks ago - and his entry was the first to arrive at Darlington Borough Council's leisure services office the next day.

The young runner has entered the shorter, junior section of the race - the first year there has been a separate race for youngsters. Young runners aged 13 to 18 can take part in the 3.5km run.

He said: "I did the 2k fun run section of the race last year for the first time and that is how I started running.

"I surprised myself by finishing ninth and decided to take up running and joined the Newton Aycliffe Harriers.

"I don't think I would have entered the race this year if it hadn't been for the new junior section, because I'm too old to run the fun run and I don't think I could do the main 10k race."

This year, regular 10k runners will see a change of route for the 17th annual run, which takes place on Sunday, August 11.

For the first time, athletes will follow a two-lap circuit, along Stanhope Road, Woodlands Road, Carmel Road and Coniscliffe Road, finishing in the town centre.

Darlington's CD Bramall Ford Dealership is the main sponsor, and it is also being supported by The Northern Echo and radio station Alpha 103.2FM. There are three separate races this year - the Fun Run, the Junior run and the main event.