THE Darlington 10k road run, which takes place next week, is sparking international interest.

Race organisers at Darlington Borough Council, who have been swamped with hundreds of entries, have received inquiries from as far afield as Japan.

And they say that although the deadline for entries has passed, runners can still enter the charity race on the day of the event.

Jeff Dawson, of Darlington Borough Council's leisure services department, said: "We had an inquiry from someone who is working in Japan and who is hoping to come back to run the race next week. We also had an inquiry from someone in Jersey who has family up here.

"Although the official closing date for entries has passed, it will be possible to enter on the day and the registration desk in the Dolphin Centre will be open from 8.15am."

Mr Dawson said he was expecting in excess of 1,000 runners to pound the streets of Darlington for this year's race.

Last year, the number of runners topped 1,000 for the first time, and the council is hoping to match that figure this year.

This year, young runners aged 13 to 18 have their own, shorter race of 3.5k, as well as a 2km fun run.

Since the road run began, it has raised between £30,000 and £40,000 for charity.

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