All roads lead to Blenheim Palace on Sunday as hundreds of runners take on the picturesque five-mile course in the grounds of the stately home to raise money for the new Oxford Children's Hospital.

More than 1,000 people, a record number, have signed up for this year's OX5 Run, organised by the Oxford Mail and our sister paper The Oxford Times, but anyone who has not yet completed their entry form can still sign up on the day to join in the fun.

Participants in the event have the extra incentive this year of competing for the OX5 Team Challenge Cup, awarded to the team with the lowest aggregate total of its top five finishers.

Dozens of businesses have entered teams for the event, with the biggest single team coming from the Midcounties Co-op, which boasts a staggering 114 runners.

Among those taking part are nursery nurses Amy Long, Rachel Pargeter, Emily Beane, Amy Giles and Jana Satinova, based at the Imagine Childcare Nursery, in Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, Oxford.

Ms Long said: "I saw the notice for the run and persuaded some others to take part. We're planning to run and walk around the course and probably stay in a group.

"A few of us have been going to fitness classes to help prepare and we all feel a lot better for it."

This year's race starter will be three-year-old Mya Harris, from Cowley, who will sound the starting horn at 10.30am.

Mya was born with spina bifida in 2002 and has already had at least six operations at the children's ward of the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington, where the specialist children's hospital is being built.

Her father Dale, who is running the course with five friends, said Mya was looking forward to taking centre stage on the big day.

He said: "It's brilliant, just fantastic for Mya. She has gone through so much and the new hospital will mean so much to her that it's great that she can do something that relates directly to her."

Asked whether Mya might turn a blind eye to a false start by dad, Mr Harris said: "I would hope not, but you never know with her. I think I'm more frightened about her getting stampeded.

"She has always got a smile on her face. I think she'll love being in the limelight."

The aim of the event is to help raise the final £2.5m from the community for the new hospital.

Competitors who raise £100 are entitled to a free OX5 T-shirt, those who raise £200 will receive a jumper and those who make £300 will get a fleece.

Race organiser Margaret Marsh said: "It's not too late for people to take part. They can enter on the day by paying the £10 entry fee.

"I would encourage everybody running to put one last effort into getting as much sponsorship as they can for this fantastic cause."

Runners registering on the day must sign up between 9am and 10am. Entrance to spectators will be free.

Before the race, instructors from Oxford's David Lloyd health and fitness centre will hold a warm-up. After the event, free massages will be available.