ENTRIES for the nation’s favourite 10K running event, the Bupa Great Manchester Run, are now open and the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, the UK’s leading charity funder of research into muscle wasting conditions, is able to offer guaranteed places in the race in return for participants raising sponsorship.

Participants will receive a charity branded running vest to show their support for the charity on race day along with a finisher’s medal and goody bag. The race takes place on Sunday, May 18.

Gavin Reeves, supporter of the charity and keen runner said, "The Great Manchester Run really is a race for everybody, from seasoned marathon runners to people running their first race.

"The atmosphere in the city centre as you line up at the start with thousands of other runners will live long in the memory.

"Tens of thousands of supporters line the route from the city centre, out past the iconic Old Trafford stadium and then back to a deafening finish on Deansgate.

"The most satisfying way to run this race is to raise money and by wearing the bright orange vest of the Muscular Dystrophy Team, you will get the incredible support and warm welcome from the team at the finish to help you celebrate your achievement."

Volunteer Fundraising Manager for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, Charles Horton, said “We are urging local people take part in the Great Manchester Run and help people affected by muscle wasting conditions.

"We have guaranteed places which we are offering with a low minimum sponsorship level so if you would like to take part please get in touch now before all of these places are snapped up”.

The Great Manchester Run, which is over a 10km course, is televised by the BBC and attracts elite athletes, fun runners and a host of celebrities.

To sign up on-line for a guaranteed place to support the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign go to http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/great_manchester_run or alternatively email northwest@muscular-dystrophy.org for a registration form.

More than 8,000 children and adults in the North West are directly affected by muscle disease, a condition which causes muscles to progressively waste and weaken.

Muscle disease is life-limiting and there are no cures.

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the leading UK charity focusing on muscle-wasting disease. It has pioneered the search for treatments and cures for more than 50 years, and is dedicated to improving the lives of all children and adults affected by muscle disease.