We're in the middle of Pride Month... when better to sign up for this year's Newcastle Frontrunners LGBT+5K Festival of Running? The event which is scheduled for 19 July will kickstart Northern Pride in the north east, which encompasses the month of July.

Returning to Exhibition Park on The Town Moor, the event includes a 5K adults race and 1 mile children’s race. The course uses surfaced tarmac and gravel paths with participants in either race invited to run or walk. The event will be to promote having fun, support and celebrate the LGBT+ community. Organisers encourage fancy-dress.

This year there will be a fabulous new compere and host, on-course entertainment, lots of amazing prizes and food and drink vendors on site. Organisers say: "We hope to create an amazing festival atmosphere to kickstart Northern Pride weekend. So get your most colourful outfit ready and come and join us!"

The event started out as the 'Gay 5K' back in 2012 and was renamed as the LGBT5K the following year. As entrants increased it morphed into the LGBT+5K Festival of Running with the first children's race included in 2018.

Charity plays a big part in the day too, organisers say: "Our Festival of Running is our opportunity to raise awareness and funds for our charity of the year, Rainbow Home North East is an amazing organisation doing incredible work for our communities."

If you'd like to know more, visit the Newcastle Frontrunners website.

Image: Newcastle Frontrunners Facebook