Runners looking to sign up for The Straits Times Run at the Hub this year have more reasons to do so early.

With prizes up for grabs in an early bird draw, those who register before Sunday could win one of 40 Reebok Easytone Step platforms worth $299 each, sponsored by fitness equipment company Aibi.

Participants in all three distance categories stand a chance to win the step platforms, which feature integrated balance pods for a total body workout, with more than 100 possible exercises.

Those who sign up for the 18.45km category before Sunday will also stand to win one of 10 pairs of high-performance running shoes - the New Balance Vazee Rush. Each pair is worth $149.

The special 18.45km route is to commemorate ST's 170th anniversary and mark the year the paper was founded - in 1845.

Interested readers can log on to www.straitstimesrun.com to register. Registration fees for the 18.45km, 10km and 5km runs are $68, $58 and $48, respectively.

Each participant will get runners' entitlements worth nearly $400, including a New Balance running vest and Chan Brothers travel vouchers.

A Land Rover Discovery Sport could also go to a lucky participant in a lucky draw for all race-goers aged 21 and older who are Singaporeans or permanent residents.

The new car is valued at $165,000 (excluding certificate of entitlement, Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme surcharge, insurance, radio licence, road tax, goods and services tax and registration fee).

The run, backed by Panasonic, will take place on Sept 27.

The ST Run at the Hub will take runners along a city route and past landmarks such as the Marina Bay waterfront and Marina Barrage, before ending under the National Stadium's iconic domed roof.