RUNNERS are gearing up for this weekend's 10th anniversary Southend Colourthon.

More than 1,000 people have signed up the night-time walk from Chalkwell Park along the seafront and back on Saturday, raising money for a range of charities close to their heart.

To mark the anniversary there will be a party feel to this year's event with bands and singers lined up to entertain participants and spectators from a stage in the park.

In the decade it has been running, the Colourthon, which is supported by the Echo, has raised more than £1million, benefitting 726 different charities.

Julian Hart, lead organiser for the Colourthon, said: "We are nearly ready. It's always a bit mad this time of year, but I think it's going to be bigger than ever this year for our 10th anniversary.

"We've raised £1.24million over the last nine years and when you consider our target at the beginning was just £25,000 we're over the moon. The feedback we get from people taking part makes it all worth it."

The Colourthon now has three events:

* Moonlight – the original event and still the ultimate challenge, a half marathon walk around Southend by night.

* Twilight – a smaller 10km event around Southend by night.

*The new paint run – a 5km fun run that will involve a lot of paint and a lot of fun.

The Colourthon is all about having fun while doing your bit for a charity. Walkers and runners are encouraged to wear bright and colourful clothes to illuminate Southend, and draw attention to the whole spectacle.

Fellow organiser Mat Osborne said: "We are getting everything ready and the big stage will be going in soon. I would urge anyone not taking part to come along and listen to the music from 1.30pm to 8pm.

"Its not too late to take part but what we are really looking for is people to help as stewards. It's going to be a great event."

The Colourthon was created in 2007 by a group of friends who met through Southend Round Table.

Since then, the event has gone from strength to strength. Each year, the team of volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year.

To register to take part, visit colourthon.org. When registering, entrants can nominate the charity of their choice.