RUNNERS, joggers, or walkers preparing for the Burnie Ten now have an ideal lead-in event, with the announcement of a new major 2.5km and 5km fun run to be held in Devonport next month.

Couch potatoes inspired by the Beijing Olympics may also be enticed to enter.

The inaugural The Advocate Mosey Along the Mersey will be held on September 14, and as the name suggests, will be staged on the banks of the Mersey River.

While the event will be a community fun run and walk, it will also attract elite athletes, doubling as the Tasmanian 5km Road Championships and race six in the Tasmanian Distance Runner of the Year Series.

The fun run and walk will have two distances and two separate starts, with both events open to anyone.

The 2.5km event will start at 11.30am and will also incorporate the under 14, under 13 and under 11 Tasmanian road championships.

The 5km event will start at noon and will include the under 16, under 18, under 20, under 23, open, over 40 men, over 50 men, over 35 women, and over 45 women's Tasmanian road championships.

The course will start and finish on Victoria Parade following the river to the mouth and then turning along the Coast towards the Mersey Bluff, with a turn at Back Beach, providing a spectacular and scenic route.

The Advocate general manager Rod Tremayne said the company was pleased to be sponsoring the event.

"This event continues The Advocate's proud history of sponsoring events that encourage healthy lifestyles and fitness," he said.

Athletics Tasmania development and marketing coordinator Richard Welsh said the event had taken considerable planning, but he was excited about its potential.

"This event is exciting for several reasons and is suitable for people of all fitness levels - the course is scenic and proven to be fast," he said.

While the event will aim to grow into a major community activity, it will also attract many quality runners.

Hobart's Grant Page is the holder of six current Tasmanian titles, from 400m to 10km and is looking forward to The Advocate Mosey Along the Mersey.

"I'm excited about it, as there are not really any premier 5km road races about," Page said.

"It's a great opportunity to have a crack on a fast course."

Entry for the event will only be $10 per participant if pre-entered. Entries close at 5pm on Thursday, September 11. Late entries will be accepted up until 30 minutes prior to the start time, at double the standard entry fee. Entry information can be obtained from Athletics Tasmania on 62349551 or www.tasathletics.org.au