ON YOUR MARKS... for the race between the ramparts

Organisers Kenilworth Rotary Club said the entries were full within 25 hours of going live and that there are as many as 600 runners on the waiting list.

Race director Philip Southwell of Kenilworth Rotary Club said there had been an explosion in its popularity in recent years, brought about in part by The Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club’s expertise in raising the status of the race and by providing an event for serious runners, as well as for those running for charity or just for the fun of it.

“We have been using timing chips for a number of years and continue to seek ways to improve this major 10km Warwickshire County Road Race league event to ensure a great race for club runners and not so serious runners alike,” he said.

Richard Thornton, a joint senior partner at main sponsor Blythe Liggins Solicitors in Leamington, who are sponsoring the event for the seventh year, said: “This is a remarkable entry and an enormous endorsement of the popularity of the Two Castles.

“I congratulate Kenilworth Rotary Club on their organisation and promotion of this event over recent years, which has resulted in such an unprecedented demand for places.”

In addition to its sponsorship, Blythe Liggins is also fielding about 30 runners, providing race marshals and a manning a water station.

The race will get underway from Warwick Castle at 9am and the first runner is expected to reach Kenilworth Castle little more than 30 minutes later.

Statutory regulations will again require closure of all roads along the route to ensure the safety of runners.

• TEACHERS from Myton School are swapping their suits for t-shirts and red pens for running shoes to raise funds for a cause with which they share a name.

The team of 14 are aiming to raise as much as they can for Myton Hospice by taking part in the Two Castles 10k run on Sunday.

Among them are experienced runners hoping for personal bests, while others say they will be happy just to reach the finish line.

Myton pupil Lydia Cotton said: “It’s great that they’re doing this and getting involved in the community.”

Fellow pupil Sarah Jennings added: “It’s totally unexpected - we thought only PE teachers were sporty!”

To sponsor the group, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/mytonschool

• ROTARIAN Annie Dunn is running the Rotary Two Castles Run to raise money for Age UK in memory of her dear father, who was himself a dedicated Rotarian for almost 40 years.

Three years ago, Annie’s father gave a touching speech at her wedding, a great achievement as he began his struggle with Vascular Dementia. As Annie’s mother rapidly became his full time carer, Age UK helped the family navigate through the limited support available in this country for the elderly with dementia. Annie’s father passed away very recently. Annie is being supported by her own Rotary group of Leamington Spa Regency who will also be marshalling the route.

Visit Annie’s page: www.justgiving.com/Annie-Dixon-Dunn0