Early entries to the annual Wright Hassall Regency Run are soaring, with over 800 people applying in just three weeks.
The details of this year’s 10km run in Leamington Spa were announced during January and the response at this stage is double at the same stage in 2007.
The race, on Sunday, April 6, is in its fourth year and has a new capacity of 1,800 runners for the 9am start.
Several changes to the event have been announced – including that the first half of the course will be reversed, in order to eliminate congestion, with the start at Newbold Terrace East.
Runners will now be timed electronically, thanks to a strap on their ankle which will automatically time when a runner crosses the start and finish lines. This will make recording times easier and prevent congestion at the end of the race.
And the first five kilometres of the course will also be wider, to give runners more space.
Event organiser Russell Hall said: “We are struggling to keep up with the amount of people wanting to take part in the run this year – it’s fantastic.
“We’re receiving about 35 entries per day and the feedback to the changes for this year has been positive. By tweaking elements of the run, we can make it better for everyone.”
Last year, over £20,000 was raised for local charities – and race sponsors Wright Hassall believe the 2008 run will prove to be an even greater success.
Jane Senior, a partner at the 200-strong Leamington Spa based solicitors Wright Hall, said: “To have 800 runners sign-up within three weeks is superb news for the run – and a testament to how successful it has become.
“It’s staggering how many people are starting to run. Where ever you go, people are on the streets jogging and hopefully it won’t just be a New Year’s resolution!”
The entry fee is £13 or £11 if club affiliated. All finishers will receive a T-shirt and a medal, with the top three finishers receiving trophies.
The closing date is March 30 but runners are advised to enter early to avoid disappointment.
For further information contact Russell Hall on 07980 660 783 or visit www.wrighthassall.co.uk. Entry forms are available from www.wrighthassall.co.uk as well as gyms and sports shops in Leamington and Warwick.
