Race officials are celebrating a record entry.

The race, which begins at 10.30am on Sunday (May 4) from Lynn's Tuesday Market Place, is open to anyone over the age of 15 on race day.

Entries are almost at the maximum mark – as of yesterday there were more than 1,900. Online entries close when the race limit of 2,000 is reached.

No entries will be taken on the day.

Running legend Ron Hill is taking part this year.

Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, the council's cabinet member for sports, arts and open spaces and a driving force behind the event, commented: "When we started this event three years ago I don't think any of us could have hoped for the response we've had.

"In such a short time the event has gone from strength to strength, attracting all sorts of runners from elite athletes, to sporting legends such as Dame Tanni Grey Thompson last year and Ron Hill this year.

"Perhaps more importantly the support we have had in the town itself is phenomenal.

"All the runners are made to feel so welcome and the atmosphere around the town on the day is absolutely amazing."

The race has become an East of England Grand Prix event and has this year been awarded Gold Grade Status by the British Association of Road Runners, and it has rapidly become the biggest race of its kind in Norfolk.

The man behind this year's success, race director Harry Collins, said: "We've had a brilliant response to the event this year.

"Before we even launched we had received 250 entries. We've made a few changes to the course this year, which we think will make it faster than ever, so we are expecting some good times."

The race has attracted runners from as far afield as Bristol, Liverpool and Dunblane (Scotland) as well as appealing to many local runners. Thousands of pounds are also set to be raised for charity with many people taking part to raise funds to WaterAid, the QEH, Mind and Breathe for Life.

Competitors can take part as an individual, as part of a team or as an affiliated athletics club member. Everyone taking part will receive a medal, T-shirt and goody bag.

Road closures will be in place throughout the race – full information is available on the website at www.greateastangliarun.co.uk

GEAR special promotion feature: pages 34 and 35 of today's Lynn News.

ALSO SEE TODAY'S LYNN NEWS FOR A MAP OF THE ROUTE.