SOUTHAMPTON Common will be a-glow next month when a night-time running event is staged in the city.

As part of a series of events around the country, the organisation Glow in the Park has announced it will be holding a meeting in Southampton.

In a bid to keep people active during the winter months the Glow in the Park promotes running by staging 5km and 10km runs in parklands throughout the UK – in the dark.

Southampton has been chosen to host an event on February 19.

All participants are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing, head torches, glow sticks and any other type of glowing accessory.

Individual runners and family groups can take part along with groups of friends and colleagues.

The cost of entering is from £13 for individuals and up to £35 for large families. Children must be aged over 12 to take part in the races without an adult.

A spokesman for the Glow in the Park event said: We think there's something quite exciting about running in the dark and Glow in the Park offer you a safe environment to experience this and find your love of night running.

“It’s not just about running though – it’s all about the GLOW! Come to the event dressed in all your finest hi-viz, bring head torches, light sticks and flashing necklaces, anything you can think of.”

The event is being backed by the Daily Echo as part of our “Staying Alive” campaign.

We launched the groundbreaking drive after revealing shocking statistics that the four major diseases of cancer, heart disease and stroke, and lung disease and liver disease claimed 13,000 lives in the county prematurely between 2009 and 2011.

Our initiative urges people to take active steps to overhaul their diet and fitness regimes to prevent the likelihood of a premature death.

For more information visit glowinthepark.co.uk.