A new regular race event is being set up to encourage children of all ages to take up running and gain health benefits from being regularly active.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s sports development department has linked up with a charity called Kids Run Free to support the introduction of free race events for children at Easthill Park in Portslade.

The charity will organise races suitable for children of all ages up to sixteen years old to run.

The races will take place every first and third Saturday of the month from Saturday, February 7, starting with a warm up from 8.45am and races from 9am.

The new venture follows the success of the council’s citywide Active for Life Running Challenge which has been over-subscribed, particularly in the Portslade area.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of the economic development and culture committee, said: “The Kids Run Free races give children from across the city a chance to don their trainers on a regular basis and set some personal bests.

“Running is an excellent sport suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.

“The popularity of major running events in the city follows through to the youth races which are always well supported. Unlike some sports, there is very little kit needed to start running, so there is nothing to lose and plenty to gain from signing up to have a go.”

The Kids Run Free sessions are free for any child from walking age to 16 years who wants to take part with pre-registration at www.kidsrunfree.co.uk.