Bournemouth seafront will be awash with runners of all ages and abilities, as they join together for the British Heart Foundation.

More than 3,000 are expected to take part in this year’s Bournemouth Bay Run next Sunday, to raise vital funds for the charity.

Organised by Bournemouth Tourism and sponsored by Fitness First, the event prides itself on offering something for everyone, with a half-marathon, 10k road race, 5k fun run and even a 1k children’s fun run.

All the routes take in Bournemouth’s beaches, attract hundreds of spectators and create a fantastic atmosphere.

Andrew Coles, event organiser for the BHF, said: “We rely on our amazing fundraisers to help us to continue our life-saving work and bring hope to the thousands of people suffering from heart disease in the UK – from babies born with heart defects, to the millions of adults affected by heart disease.

“We hope the local community will get behind us again this year and help us to make 2014 a record-breaking year.”

The generosity of the public has already funded millions of pounds’ of research at Southampton University, including a major programme into understanding epigenetics – changes to your DNA as a result of lifestyle factors.

The work has shown that unhealthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy, such as smoking or a high-fat diet, can have a permanent effect on a baby’s genes and increase its risk of heart disease, even long into adult life.

More than 3,000 runners take part in the run each year, and fees range from £3 for the children’s fun run, up to £18.

All entrants receive a sponsorship pack with confirmation of registration, and everyone finishing will receive a medal and those finishing the half marathon or 10k will also receive a T-shirt.

Runners taking part in the 10k and half marathon will be chip timed to ensure accurate timings for all participants, and actual times will also be available.

To enter, register at bhf.org.uk/bayrun or contact a member of the BHF events team on 0845 130 8663 or email events@bhf.org.uk.

Entry to the 5k fun run and 1k children’s fun run can also be made on the day.