Serious runners along with those who run for fun, are being encouraged to sign up for Falmouth's half marathon which will once again be held as part of the town's BID-organised Spring Festival.

Run Falmouth, which will be held on Sunday, March 13, is the third in the Cornwall 2016 Grand Prix series and one of the biggest running events in the calendar, attracting both competitive and novice runners from all over the world.

The event aims to raise around £10,000 annually for Cornwall Hospice Care. Starting and finishing at the Falmouth Hotel, thus year's route takes in views of Falmouth Bay, passing Pendennis Point, Swanpool, Gyllygnvase and Maenporth beaches. After the beaches the route heads inland through country lanes to Mawnan Smith before eventually returning to the coast. You can sign up online at cornwallhospicecare.co.uk.

Rose Beattie, major events fundraiser at Cornwall Hospice Care, said: “We're delighted to be celebrating the fifth year of Run Falmouth, and are really excited about the new route for 2016. We're really looking forward to seeing 500 runners taking to the course raising funds for Cornwall Hospice Care. There's still time to enter, online registration closes March 10.”

Richard Wilcox, Falmouth BID manager, added: “I’m delighted to welcome back Run Falmouth for the fifth consecutive year. Not only is the event colourful and vibrant but it raises vital funds to support the exceptional work of Cornwall Hospice Care. Falmouth Spring Festival 2016 is set to be bigger and better than ever with an action packed programme. We look forward to welcoming visitors near and far to Falmouth once again.”

Funded and organised by the Falmouth Business Improvement District, the Spring Festival is the first main event on the town's events calendar. Celebrating Falmouth’s coast and open spaces through a host of music, dance, sporting events, walks and "spring clean" activities, the festival takes places at numerous venues across the town.

Other festival highlights include: Paint the Town Yellow Day on March 10; Falmouth Spring Clean Days on March 11 and 12; Falmouth Spring Flower Show on March 19 and 20 and the Folk and Cider Fayre on March 26 and 27. The festival schedule can be viewed online at falmouth.co.uk.