HUNDREDS of runners are gearing up for one of the most popular midweek 10K races in the Midlands next week (May 2).

The DK10K race has been rebranded the LCP10K race after LCP, the national property, investment and management company, was named the main sponsor for the fourth consecutive year.

The Gold Standard annual race, organised by Dudley Kingswinford Running Club, takes place on the evening of Wednesday May 2, starting at 7.15pm.

With a capacity of 1,000 runners, it is one of the biggest midweek road races in the Midlands.

Anneka Doehler-Lowe, of LCP, which has entered a team of 20 runners, said: “This midweek race is known for its great atmosphere and is well marshalled, so we are only too pleased to be main sponsor again. I’m really pleased to see so many LCP staff taking part this year, too.”

Ingrid Cain, race director at Dudley Kingswinford Running club, added: “This race is one of the highlights on our running calendar because it’s fun and attracts all levels of runners – from top athletes to those who love to jog for fun. We are delighted to have the support of LCP once again, which helps us provide a quality event and provide road closures and safety for our runners.”

The race, which was launched in 1986 by Dr Dick Blackburn, former chairman and founder of the running club, will also promote fundraising for Dudley's Action Heart charity which provides rehabilitation for heart surgery patients and people who have suffered a heart attack.

Everyone who completes the course will get an LCP running T-shirt, and there are prizes across a range of categories.