HUNDREDS have signed up to take part in a fledgling 10km charity run in Blackburn.

Promoters of the inaugural Blackburn 10k, which has secured Ewood Park as its starting line and finishing post, had originally set the bar at 1,500 for Sunday's race.

But enough have signed up to the dash to see the capacity for the event, which has been organised in conjunction with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, raised to 3,000.

Professional race company Run Through, which arranges five kilometre and 10km races nationwide, is organising the gathering, also featuring a youngsters' race later.

A spokesman said: "Competitors in the contest will enjoy the chance to run through the heart of the town centre and over the stunning Wainwright Bridge as part of a route that has been kept unusually flat, given the number of gradients that tend to be encountered on Blackburn’s roads."

Part of the entry fee for the race is being donated to the community trust but athletes can also choose to be sponsored for their own good cause.

The sponsors for the race include the WEC Group, CBD Oil London, Together Housing, Training 2000 and Westholme School, with the borough council and football club offering organisational support along the way.

An events village is being established inside the ground, with the Blackburn End being opened up before, during and after the race.

Spectators can watch their family and friends tackle the final few yards from the home stand.

Runners will be issued with timing chips so they can see whether they have notched up a personal best over the course, which heads into town down Bolton Road, takes in Wainwright Bridge and a town centre loop, before emerging eventually onto King Street, up Bank Top and Redlam and through Witton, back to Ewood.

The Blues Bar and Roverstore at Ewood will also be open for refreshments and other supplies on the day, the organisers have confirmed. While the 10km race kicks off at 9.30am, in the shadow of The Riverside Stand, the 600-metre juniors event is scheduled for 11.15am.

Limited places are also on offer to become a Rovers Runner, in support of the community trust, where people can jess.clegg@brfctrust.co.uk for full details.

Entrants have until the end of today (Weds) to sign up for the event online at www.blackburn10k.com