BOURNEMOUTH Marathon Festival runners and spectators are being urged to help create a massive human light show to help launch the autumn event.

Runners taking part in the Festival’s Speed of Light five-kilometre race starting at 7pm on October 5 are being issued with flashing LED armbands and asked to wear fluorescent clothing.

Race director Neil Kilgour said: “We would love non-runners to get involved and create a visual spectacular.”

The five-kilometre run, open to competitors aged 11 and above, will be the highlight of the opening day of the Bournemouth Marathon Festival, which also features two junior races, and a Supersonic 10K event.

The junior races start from 2pm, with the Supersonic 10K event – open to runners aged 15 and over – sets off at 4pm.

All opening day races start and finish close to the Bournemouth Marathon Festival hub in the town’s Lower Gardens.

Those wishing to take part in the junior races and the 5K and 10K runs have until September 11 to register at www.run-bmf.com

To enter the Festival races visit the www.run-bmf.com website or the Bournemouth Marathon Festival Facebook page.