RUNNERS are being given the opportunity to help run smoking out of town by claiming a free place at one of the region’s popular sporting events.

Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough Councils’ Smokefree Alliances are offering 100 runners a paid for place for either the Redcar half marathon or a new 5km race, on September 28, in return for supporting the “Making Smoking History” campaign.

Councillor Sheelagh Clarke, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Reducing smoking in the borough is a top priority and we hope this fantastic opportunity will inspire our community to ‘Make Smoking History’ and contact our stop smoking service to begin an attempt at quitting."

If you are interested in claiming a free place email andrew.pearson@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk stating which race you would like to run, why you would like to run for the Make Smoking History campaign and t-shirt size.

For more information on the event visit www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/halfmarathon

Successful applicants will be informed in the first week of August and sent a link and free code to register for the race.