It's time to dig out your singlet and trainers and get in shape as the Oxford Mail's annual Town & Gown Fun Run is fast approaching.

More than 1,600 people from across the country are expected to take part in this year's event, which will raise vital money for the fight against the muscle-wasting disease, muscular dystophy.

People of all fitness levels will be taking part in the race, which is sponsored by our sister paper, the Oxford Mail. Entrants range from professional runners, who regularly compete in athletics tournaments, to those who will be just happy to reach the finishing post.

A total of 400 runners have already signed up for the race, which takes place on May 21, starting at 10.30am.

The police and Oxford City Council will close off main roads covered by the route, which will take runners 10km (about six miles) from the University Parks around the city centre. Professional runners will complete the course in half an hour and walkers within 90 minutes.

Last year, Devon-based Daniel Hyde, of the Swindon Harriers, won the race after completing the course in just 30 mins and 46 seconds. Henley-on-Thames runner Emma Coleman, of the Achilles Club, was the first woman to reach the finishing post in 35 mins and 24 seconds.

Entries secretary Ian Hale said: "It's an extremely enjoyable day for all those who take part. All sorts of people from all over the country sign up and we always raise a large amount for research into muscular dystrophy.

"Excitement is already beginning to mount for this year's race and hundreds of people have already entered. We are about 100 entries up on the total of runners who had entered by this time last year. You don't have to be a top athlete to compete. We keep the finishing line open for a good hour and a half so there's no rush to get to the finishing line."

To help you get in training without doing yourself any damage the Oxford Mail is running a weekly training column in the run-up to the big race.

It will give runners a chance to carefully plan their training programme to make sure they are in peak condition for the event, the 17th of its kind.

Youngsters will also have a chance to get into the spirit of things.

A junior race of two miles (3.5km) will start half an hour before the main race,

Last year's event was one of the most successful ever, raising a total of 23,000. Over the years, the annual event has raised more than 360,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

For an entry form, call 01993 881368. Entry costs 6.50 for adults, 5.50 for members of a running club and 2 for junior entrants. Runners can enter on the day for 10.