A RUN with a difference is set to take place in Heaton Park on Saturday, April 18.

Rather than getting into the starting blocks early doors, hundreds of fitness enthusiasts will take on a 5km course by moonlight, donning glow-in-the-dark wristbands and colourful clothing.

The Moon Rise Run run starts at 7.45pm after a warm-up half an hour earlier, and there will be live music from Firewood Island, Joseph Lofthouse, Lily Jo, Rowetta and Viva Ems afterwards.

Food stalls will be selling pizza, meat dishes and Malaysian rice-based meals and there will be a bar.

There is still time to sign up for the run and entrants can get sponsored for the event's partner organisation, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, or their own chosen charity.

Among those taking part are Coronation Street stars Brooke Vincent and Hayley Tamaddon.

Hayley said: "The run is right up my street.

"Combining fun and fitness after dark sounds like a great experience, and I think it's fantastic when anyone chooses the north to debut a new event.

"The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity is a truly amazing organisation.

"The fact that Moon Rise Run has teamed up with them sealed the deal for me for getting involved.

"Hopefully a gang of us from the street will be there to see Heaton Park transformed."

The night is being organised by No 24 Events, whose event director Sally Pigott said: "We're going to create a completely unique experience and in such a wonderful park, we expect it to be magical and utterly memorable."

Tickets are on sale now from moonriserun.com and cost £30 for those wanting to run and enjoy the after-run entertainment and £18 without the run.

Runners get an event T-shirt and wrist band.

Booking fees apply and there is a £2 per person discount for groups of four. Under tens can enter free.