ORGANISERS of the CD Bramall Darlington 10km Road Run and Fun Run are expecting a record entry.

A week after the official closing date for entries, forms are still trickling in, and close to 1,100 people have already put their names forward to take part.

Add to that an expected bumper entry on the day - Sunday, August 12 - and it is expected the figure of 1,200 for both events last year will be passed.

"We are going to beat that this year," said event coordinator Jeff Dawson confidently.

He said they had 200 to 250 entries more than at the same stage last year.

There are already nearly 300 entries for the fun run, which starts at 9.30am, an hour before the main event.

"That's a record," said Mr Dawson.

Anybody wanting to enter the 10km road run now must pay an additional £2 late-entry fee on top of the £6 for UK Athletics club members, and £7 for non members.

Because of the big entry, the race numbers are being sent out a little later than normal, but should be received by the beginning of next week.

Individual and team prizes of up to £100 are up for grabs, as well as T-shirts for all finishers in the 10km race.

The event is supported by The Northern Echo, sportswear firm View From and Alpha Radio.

Further details and entry forms are available from Jeff Dawson, on (01325) 388427, or from Leisure Services, The Dolphin Centre, Horsemarket, Darlington, DL1 5RP.

l THIS is the penultimate week for runners to get ready for the CD Bramall Darlington 10km Road Run.

They can tune up for the big day with our specially arranged training schedule.

Wednesday's run should be increased, if possible, to 35 minutes, Friday's run should be 25 minutes, and the weekend run should be 30 to 45 minutes. It is advisable to warm up before running and to take it slowly on the long weekend run.