Details of the new faster, flatter route for next year's Brighton Marathon have been unveiled.

Organisers of the popular event have made some changes to the course for 2014 to make it quicker than ever before.

The crucial changes come in miles five and ten and can be seen on an official map of the route.

A new loop has been introduced at mile five the northern end of The Level.

This makes up for the big hill in the former Rottingdean leg at miles nine and ten, which has now been taken out.

Grounded Events, which runs the marathon, have also released a map of its new fast 10km race, called BM10k.

This takes place on the same day as the main event on April 6.

It will start in Preston Park at 8.30am, 30 minutes before the marathon itself gets under way.

The new race is part of the further development of the Brighton Marathon Weekend, which begins on Friday, April 4 with a two-day exhibition at the Brighton Centre.

On Saturday, April 5, mini mile races for under 18s will be taking place in their new slot in Preston Park.

The marathon, now in its fifth year, regularly attracts thousands of runners and tens of thousands of visitors to Brighton and raises millions for charity.

This year's race is also believed to have given the city's economy a £6 million boost through visitors using its hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, shops pubs and clubs over the weekend.

Race founder Tim Hutchings said: “We thought long and hard about how best to enhance the Brighton Marathon Weekend and adding a 10k, an easily accessible distance to the race day, was ultimately a no-brainer.

“It is a distance everyone can enjoy, adds another great opportunity for the charities to raise extra funds, and will lengthen the whole period of buzz and fun for the city.

The numbers in the marathon have stayed as strong as ever and we expect around 10,000 runners, a new race record, but importantly we know the runners will raise more than ever for charity - and that can only be good.

“That the marathon route is now faster still is great for runners of all abilities, and including a short trip up the Lewes Road means yet another Brighton community is embraced by the race.”

Entries for the 10km race will open on January 15, with 2,000 places available, priced at £30.

For more information about this and the marathon weekend, visit brightonmarathon.co.uk.