A RUSH to get to the start line of the Great Midlands Fun Run began this week after 500 people signed up in the first 24 hours of the online registration becoming active.

After "technical glitches" delayed entries by more than a day, participants have now got off to a flying start, with more than the proposed target of 1,000 signing up in the first week for the 8.5-mile event.

"The developers and I have had a few long days resolving the technical issues," said event director Tracey Spare.

"The midnight oil, indeed a few 24-hour shifts have been the order of the day during the latter part of last week.

"But I'm delighted we're up and running."

This year's tenth anniversary race is on Sunday, June 10 and will have an additional 1,000 places.

But it is expected that all places will be taken before the closing date on March 31.

"Although we have been able to increase capacity to 7,000 places this year, the surge in online entries since it went live last weekend suggests we could again reach capacity," said Tracey.

"There's been a real buzz about this year's event since the start of the year."

In addition to the entry form printed in this week's Mercury (right), runners can also enter online at www.greatmidlands funrun.com and forms will be available at outlets listed on the website.

Last year the event generated a record-breaking £228,000 for good causes and fun runners this year are being encouraged to enjoy a "great day out" while raising money for an organisation "close to their heart".

"The Fun Run doesn't determine where the money goes – that's the prerogative of those who enter," said Tracey.

"Many people were disappointed last year and missed out because they left it too late to register. So I want to stress to those wanting to run – please don't delay."