OVER 600 entries for the world-famous Blaydon Race, immortalised in the Geordie anthem, have been returned as next Wednesday's event along the banks of the Tyne has reached its 4,000 limit.

The 5.7-mile race, which retains its traditional starting point outside Balmbras in the centre of Newcastle, is now second only on the North-East athletics calendar to the Great North Run.

The Blaydon Race was revived on its traditional June 9 date in 1981, when there were only 212 finishers outside the Geordie Ridley pub.

The numbers of competitors has increased year by year and 12 months ago 3,651 runners completed the course.

Now race organiser Jim Dewar has reluctantly had to return over 600 applications after being swamped with entries.

He said: "I'm sorry for the people who won't get a run this year but it is marvellous for us to get such a good response.

"We hope to be able to increase the entry limit next year, but really it is up to runners to make sure of their places by getting their entries in as early as possible."

The £1,000 first prizes for the winners of the men's and women's races has again attracted a host of international runners, including four-times winner and course record-holder Julius Kimtai, of Kenya.

Kimtai, who first made his name in the North-East winning the Auckland Castle 10K, missed last year's race but returns to challenge the defending champion, Ethiopian Tesfaye Eticha.

But top Russian athlete Yelena Burykina, who set a course record in 2002 and retained her title last year, will not be returning in search of a hat-trick of victories.

Great Britain international Liz Yelling, who will compete in the Olympic Games this summer had hoped to be the first British winner since Gateshead Harrier Karen Hind triumphed in 2001, but has had to withdraw because she needs essential dental treatment before her marathon exertions in Athens.

Her absence sets up an intriguing duel between Kenyans Miriam Wangari and Catherine Mutwa.

The race again offers £500 prizes for the first male and female members of North-East clubs to cross the line.

Morpeth Harriers provided the men's winner last year in Ian Hudspith, but he and previous winner, brother Mark, have not yet resumed competitive running since their efforts in the London in April.

The Northumberland club could still provide the local winner in Martin Scaife, who has switched from Chester-le-Street since finishing 11th overall last year.

Chester-le-Street's Dianne Heneghan won the women's prize 12 months ago but she is also missing and Hind could well claim the local crown.