A ROAD run that has sparked international interest is expected to have the highest number of entrants in its history.

The Darlington 10k run has been swamped with hundreds of entries from runners eager to sign up for the event.

Race organisers believe the total number will be more than 1,000, with the majority of people registering before the race tomorrow. Last year there were 1,000 runners, and organisers hope they will beat the total this time.

The charity race, which has raised between £30,000 and £40,000 for good causes, has had inquiries from as far afield as Japan.

Jeff Dawson, of Darlington Borough Council's leisure services department, said: "We are expecting the number of runners will be close to 1,000 but we usually get a lot of people registering on the day. Anybody who wants to enter the race should get here early because it gets very busy at the registration desk."

Runners can register for the race from 8.15am at the race desk in the Dolphin Centre.

The 2km fun run will be the first race to be held. It will start at 9.15am. A run for young athletes, aged between 13 and 16, will also take place. The junior road run, which is 3.5km, will start at 9.45am, and the 10k run at 10.30am.

Roads will close throughout the town centre, from 7am to 1pm, while the runs are taking place. Darlington Harriers and Rotary Club members will provide marshals at all road junctions.

Darlington's CD Bramall Ford Dealership is the main sponsor of the event, for the second year, and it is also supported by The Northern Echo and radio station Alpha 103.2FM.

The Asda store, at Darlington, is providing drinking water.