A record-breaking 5,100 competitors will take part in Sunday's ASICS Kingston Breakfast Run, writes Waveney Thompson.

Contested over two distances, 8.2 and 16 miles, the run traditional marks the start of the racing calendar, with well-known faces among those in training for next month's London Marathon.

Among this year's field is TV presenter Beverley Turner, following in the footsteps of husband James Cracknell who took part last year.

Many of the runners will be raising funds for official charity Leukaemia Research including Dan Reeve and Rob Aitken who are in training for an amazing fund-raising journey to the 2007 Rugby World Cup, incorporating a 24 mile cross-channel swim, an 1120 mile cycle and a 262 mile run over 18 days in August.

The race starts at 8am by the Guildhall near the coronation stone and finishes in the Ancient Market Place, in the heart of Kingston. The picturesque route takes in a very flat and looped course, making it achievable for novices through to experienced and long distance runners, with the added benefit of scenic views along the River Thames Towpath up to Hampton Court Palace.

Event sponsors ASICS will be on hand to offer professional support, guidance and a number of incentives to all competitors. They will also be performing free gait assessment (to avoid injury) at the event where competitors can have their running style assessed and correct footwear recommended.

Human Race director John Lunt commented. "With the event now in its tenth year, we are delighted to see so many competitors again this year, each with their own story to tell as to why they have entered. We know they would all love the support so we hope to see lots of people in Kingston cheering them on."