Bristol 10k runners will pound the streets for St Peter's Hospice and charity Coco

Thousands of runners expected to pound the streets in next year's Bristol 10k will be helping to raise funds for St Peter's Hospice and children's charity Coco.

Both have been named the official charities for the 2010 10k and as a special incentive next week, Bristol Evening Post readers can sign up to the race for just £10.

In May this year almost 8,000 runners took to the streets as part of the second annual road race but organisers hope next year will be bigger than ever.

As well as athletes and novice runners there will be a few familiar faces among the competitors on Sunday, May 9 2010, each hoping to do their bit for charity.

Phoebe Thomas, 26, who plays Holby City's nurse Maria Kendall ran in this year's event and is planning to take to the streets for both next year's 10k and half marathon.

She said: "I am delighted that St Peters Hospice will be the official charity in 2010 for the Bristol 10k, I wanted to run and raise money for a charity that really makes a difference to the local community. And the nurses, doctors and everyone at St Peter's Hospice do such wonderful work in the hospice at Brentry and in the community."

John Flanagan, Community Fundraising Manager for St Peter's Hospice said: "I am thrilled that we will be the official charity to benefit from the Bristol 10k in 2010.

"Everyone has worked so hard at St Peters Hospice in the past to recruit the hundreds of runners and marshals that are required to help at this event. Not only will we raise much-needed funds but this will once again give us the opportunity to tell the people of Bristol and district about the incredible work that everyone at the hospice is doing. Our runners raised the magnificent sum of £47.000 from the Bristol 10k this year which went towards recruiting new community nurse specialists.

"If you would like to run for St Peters Hospice or help marshal at the event then please contact the fundraising office 0117 9159300 or go to our web site www.stpetershopsice.org. "

Gemma Dyer, spokeswoman, for Coco, the charity founded by former Olympic athlete Steve Cram, said: "Coco are thrilled to be a part of the Bristol 10k 2010 for the second year running. The Bristol 10k is a wonderful event and a great opportunity to introduce runners and families alike to Coco's work. The funds raised from the event will benefit the children of our health and education projects throughout Africa.

"One such project is the Majengo Central Kitchen, situated in Northern Tanzania. The aim of the kitchen is to provide one hot meal a day for the 500 children that attend the surrounding nurseries. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Coco tent on May 9 2010."