SUNDAY'S Bungay Black Dog Marathon has attracted an 'extraordinary' increase in entries, with more than 1,000 runners expected to take part in the two races and the fun run.

SUNDAY'S Bungay Black Dog Marathon has attracted an 'extraordinary' increase in entries, with more than 1,000 runners expected to take part in the two races and the fun run.

Organisers believe that with the usual influx of on-the-day entries, runners the marathon will exceed 300 and the half marathon should see over 500 competitors, making it the largest field for many years.

All profits and sponsorship from this year's event, held by the Bungay Black Dog Running Club at Maltings Meadow, in Ditchingham, will go to the NSPCC.

The event will be staged at the Bungay and District Sports Association ground, where for the first time in the race's history organisers will use a chip timing system, whereby athletes are timed using chips tied to their shoelaces.

Athletes in the full marathon set off at 10.30am, the fun run starts at 10.40am, and half-marathon runners start at 12.30.

The route, which takes runners to Beccles via Shipmeadow and Barsham, returning to Bungay via Gillingham and Geldeston, will be one lap for half-marathon runners and two for those bidding to complete 26.2 miles.

The Fun Run will offer prizes for male and female winners in the following categories: under 5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-17 and over 17.

Organisers wish to remind people that Pirnhow Street will be closed from 9.30am-4pm and access is from Beccles Road only.