Runners are on their marks...

And for anyone who signs up before September 5, there will be a free training session organised by Boxfit on Saturday, September 17 at the Vauxhall Recreation Centre to help get you into shape.

The event itself is already promising to be fun for all the family, with stalls, sports massuers and much more at the start and finish lines.

The News/Gazette and sister paper the Herald&Post are teaming up with Luton triathlon club Boxfit to launch the first ‘On Your Marks Luton’ race event to raise money for poorly babies at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a novice or even a nipper, there’s a distance for you at the fantastic event, taking place at Vauxhall Recreation Club on Sunday, October 16.

There will be 10km and 5km races, plus a 2km fun run for youngsters.

The route will be fully marshalled and traffic-free, and will take in part of the picturesque Luton Hoo Estate (pictured).

Sponsorship money and a percentage of the race entry fee will be going towards the L&D’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), one of only three such centres in the East of England, equipped to offer the highest level of care to the sickest and most vulnerable newborns.

The hospital needs to raise £1.5million to complete its expansion, so that even more tiny lives can be saved.

Sarah Newby, fundraising manager at the L&D, said: “We are really excited about being so involved with On Your Marks Luton.

“It will be a great day for the L&D and we have a number of NICU families coming down to take part in the 2km family fun run, which makes it even more special.

“We would love for runners to raise money for the hospital charity appeal through the race.

“Events like this often fill up really quickly so don’t miss out – sign up today!”

To enter and for sponsorship forms, visit www.ldh.nhs.uk