The event, which raises large sums for the Hospice in the Weald, will take place in and around Tunbridge Wells on Sunday September 22.
The race starts at 10am at the Lower Cricket Ground, with all participants receiving a Hospice in the Weald T-shirt and a chip timing.
Now in its 14th year, the run has previously featured only a 10km race distance.
The shorter version mirrors the highly successful parkrun format, which is held every Saturday morning in Dunorlan Park and Tonbridge’s Racecourse Sportsground.
The organisers hope to encourage 1,000 people to take up the challenges.
Despite torrential rain last year, there were 569 runners pounding the streets, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd.
The idea of the 5K route came about because the hospice wants to make the event more accessible to all types of runner, especially families.
Michelle Winstone, Relationship Fundraising Coordinator at the hospice, said: “The introduction of the 5K run recognises that running has become increasingly popular.
“The shorter route will make sure everyone is welcome. It will appeal to the less experienced runner as well as families, and maybe some of our more mature competitors, too.
“It’s so exciting that even more -supporters will join us this year.”
Andy Knight, a hospice supporter from Tunbridge Wells, has completed the hospice 10K every year for the last decade, and is enthusiastic about the prospect of more people signing up.
He said: “For me, taking part in the Hospice Run is about supporting my local community. Adding the new route helps even more people to do that – now there’s an option for everyone.”
The event is being sponsored by three companies, estate agents Savills, -insurers CSIS and a new backer, -property developer Dandara.
Early bird entry to the race costs £12.50 for the 5km and £20 for 10km (£7.50 and £12.50 respectively for children).
For more details and to enter, go to hospiceintheweald.org.uk
