THE training schedule for the 15th Darlington 10km Road Run has reached the half-way point.

Each week, The Northern Echo will print a fitness programme which should help even those who have not been inside a gym in years to complete the Tees Valley TEC Darlington Road Run on Sunday, August 13.

Last year, the run attracted more than 700 athletes, and organisers are hoping to have 1,000 entries this year.

Another 200 took part in the 2km fun run, which takes place alongside the main race.

The event will raise money for St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington. It is sponsored by the Tees Valley Training and Enterprise Council, and Darlington Borough Council, whose leisure services department organises the race and fun run.

This year's race is being held a fortnight earlier than usual.

The run is normally held on the Sunday during the August Bank Holiday weekend, but the change of date this year will avoid a clash with the Millennium Cavalcade of Steam celebration.

As in previous years, the race will start and finish on High Row, in Darlington town centre.

Entry forms for the event are available from the Dolphin Centre in Darlington, as well as from The Northern Echo's offices.

Darlington's radio station Alpha 103.2 is also supporting the road run.

Training schedule (week five)

Keep your weekday runs to 20 minutes, but increase your weekend run to 30 minutes.