A MENINGITIS charity is encouraging people to get their running shoes on take part in this year’s Great North Run.

Meningitis Now is hoping sporty fundraisers will join its team and raise cash to help fund research into the disease, which it says kills more under-fives than any other infectious disease.

The charity has guaranteed places for the 13.1 mile challenge from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields on Sunday September 13.

Anyone who joins the team will get support with training and fundraising, a free running vest or T-shirt and an invite to the post-race reception.

To sign up or find out more email gnr@meningitisnow.org.