MORE than 3,000 runners have now signed up to take part in this year's Oxford Town and Gown 10km run, which has a new route for competitors.

There is now less than a week for people to put their names down to run at the event, which raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

The deadline for applications is on Monday, May 10, with the charity run taking place on Sunday, May 16, around the city centre.

Organiser Alun Mainwaring said: “We have been rather manic lately because of the London Marathon but it's all getting there and it's getting really exciting.

“I'm really looking forward to it.”

The event can cater for up to 4,000 runners.

And Mr Mainwaring says he is confident that in the next week the number signed up will hit at least 3,500.

Now in its 29th year, the Oxford Town and Gown has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the muscular dystrophy charity.

It is hoped that £100,000 will be raised this year, taking the total to more than £1m.

The route has been changed slightly, with runners now starting in Parks Road.

Mr Mainwaring said the new route should be a lot easier for runners to access – with better provision for things like last-minute toilet stops. He urged people to sign up, saying it was perfect for elite, amateur and fun runners.

He said: “It is a fantastic event which is unique to Oxford – people come out in fancy dress and to a carnival atmosphere.

“It is the only chance you are going to get to run through the centre of Oxford, past all the historic buildings, with closed streets.”

More than 70 volunteers are needed to help run the course, to act as marshalls, man water points and hand out goodie bags.

A large number of people have already volunteered their time, but anyone who would like to help out is asked to call Mr Mainwaring on 0207 8034820 or email a.mainwaring@muscular-dystrophy.org To enter, visit muscular-dystrophy.org/oxfordtownandgown