FAMILIES and runners of all abilities are being urged to put on their running gear and sprint to Poole Park for the 2015 Poole Festival of Running.

Organised by Borough of Poole and Poole Runners and backed by the Daily Echo, the event takes place on Saturday June 7 and welcomes everyone.

From first time runners and children to elite athletes, there are races for all at the 34th annual event taking place around the popular Victorian park.

Kevin McErlane, head of culture and community learning, Borough of Poole said: “Borough of Poole is pleased to be supporting this great event.

“Festival of Running is a great family day out. Even if you aren’t running you can still enjoy the many attractions, children’s activities and additional entertainment in the park.”

Thousands of entrants are attracted every year to the festival, which now has added appeal for those interested in their official time. For the first time this year, every race will be chip timed – including the fun run.

The event attracts international elite athletes as well as club and recreational runners.

The popular one mile Minithon events are back and there is a one-and-a-half mile race for 12 to 14 year-old boys and girls.

As well as these races there is an under-eights fun run which is free to enter on the day.

Places for the popular 10k event for adults and over-15s is filling up fast and the 5K Run for Cancer is again raising money for the Dorset Cancer Centre at Poole Hospital, the major specialist cancer treatment centre for adults in the county.

Organiser Mike Towner said: “We had just under 2,000 people take part across all the events last year and raised just under £11,000. We hope to exceed that this year or at least match it.”

Local schools are being urged to enter a team and there are prizes for the top three schools with the highest number of students involved in the event.

All finishers will receive a race memento and the Minithons event is sponsored by The Ark in Poole Park while the 10k is sponsored by car dealership Horizon Honda.

Places are filling up fast and entry is limited. To enter go to poolerunners.com.