1000 Extra Places Available in 2012

 A new 'single-use' timing chip will enable an extra 1000 places to be made available for the 2012 Great Midlands Fun Run.

 The timing chip will be attached to the back of each official entry number, rather than a small plastic 'chip' which entrants' had to previously attach, by two wire cables, onto their running shoe laces.

Tracey Spare, Fun Run Event Director explained: "As the Fun Run is not a race, the timing mechanism was only ever introduced on safety grounds to monitor and control the start assembly areas. Naturally everyone, whether walking, jogging or running was provided with an acurate course time as an added benefit.

"Previously everyone had to be stopped twice at the finish area - firstly to be presented with their Cookes Furniture Commemorative Medal and then to retrieve the plastic timing chip as they had to be returned to the timing company for use at other events.

"The introduction of this new mechanism, means that we only have to stop entrants' at the finish line once to present their medal, before they move through to the water and sponges. Participants will move away from the finish line more quickly, thus allowing us to accept more entries.

"Hundreds of applications have regretfully been declined and returned in the last two years, so I'm hopeful, that with the additional places available, everyone who wants to participate can do so."

The policy of 'first to enter' will remain in place when on-line registration opens during the first week of February.