HUNDREDS of hardy runners will be adding headtorches to their sporting attire this summer to take part in Great Bromley’s first 24-hour runathon.

The event, organised by Harwich Runners, will see participants run, jog or walk the five-mile off-road loop either solo, in pairs or as teams of up to eight people on August 29.

Held on a farm just off the A120, the runathon will be mentally as well as physically challenging.

The event will start at noon and carry on through the night.

Race Director Stephen Burbidge said: “We’re hoping to to get between 300 and 500 people taking part and,if it goes well, we want to make it an annual event.”

Hot showers and free massage will be on offer to help runners make it through the event.

For those unable to make 24 hours, a 12-hour runathon will also be held at noon on August 29, finishing at midnight.

Entry costs from £75 for a solo runner to £300 for a team of eight. Enter at harwichrunners.co.uk/hr2