A RAFT of new additions from yoga to live music and entertainment for children are set to make Poole Festival of Running more of a 'festival' than ever before, organisers have announced.

Poole Runners, who are behind the annual event, want it to showcase that running is not only about keeping fit - but also a great way to socialise and meet new people.

So for 2016 - the 35th year of the festival - there will be much more for all the family to do around the festival site on West Field in Poole Park, with entertainment for the kids, live music and a fitness expo going on throughout the day, including a chance try yoga and Pilates with Everyone Active, and learn about running with Running Free at Ashley Cross.

Colin Somers of the event committee said: "We have tried to put a festival atmosphere into the event, there will be things happening round the course to keep people going during the races, as well as many more things to do on Westfield. So sign up to one of our races and not only set your goal, but enjoy yourself at the same time. It will be a great day out for all."

He added: "We wanted to show people that running is not all about getting from start to finish quicker than the next person, but is a great way to keep fit and make new friends. For some the 10k at the Festival of Running is the equivalent of running the London Marathon, each person has their own goals and we would like to help people achieve this.”

Poole Runners have two groups that meet on a Monday evening at 6.30pm at the Kitchen in Poole Park - a ‘Couch to 5k’ for people new to running, and another to help people get from 5k to running five miles.

"Both groups leave no one behind and are a fun way to run in the company of others," added Mr Somers. "The first week of Couch to 5k saw over 80 people attend, all enjoying the opportunity to start running in a fun and sociable atmosphere."

The Festival of Running in Poole Park on June 5 includes the Poole 10k and the Poole Hospital 5k, which over the years has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Poole Hospital Charity, as well as the ever popular minithons for children aged eight to 14, and the under 8s fun run. For more information visit www.poolefestivalofrunning.com or like the event on Facebook.