Places for the Grand East Anglia Run are being snapped up faster than any other year, say the event's organisers.

Its growing popularity has seen a record 500 runners already submit their entries for the race, which will be held on May 3 in King's Lynn.

A maximum of 2,000 entries are available, and it is hoped that every space will be used when the event is staged for the 10th time this spring.

Councillor David Pope, Cabinet Member for ICT, Leisure and Public Space said: 'When the council first came up with the idea of holding this race in the town centre, they never dreamed that it would be the massive success that it has been.'

A group who have taken part in every Great East Anglia Run since it started in 2006 got together to launch this year's event.

One of these runners, John Turner, of Blackborough End, entered the first event after agreeing to an 'I'll do it if you will' dare at his office Christmas meal.

'I am proud that our town has been able to organise such a popular, successful and enjoyable event,' he said.

The race is being organised by Alive Leisure, in conjunction with West Norfolk Council, and sponsored by Bespak. This year, organisers also teamed up with Norfolk Green so that run commentator Dick Hughes can get the best view possible from a double decker bus.

Borough council Race Director, Roger Partridge said: 'Dick has always done a brilliant job commentating, but it's always tricky trying to find the right spot for him to be at so he gets the best view without impeding the race's progress.'

The Bespak GEAR is a UK Athletics and British Association of Road Runners gold-graded event. Entry is £17 for affiliated runners; £19 for unaffiliated runners. Runners must be aged 15 or over on race day.

The Bespak Mini GEAR 1.2km fun run is open to anyone over the age of six and will start at 10am, before the main run. Entry for Bespak Mini GEAR is £6 for adults, £5 for under-16s and £4 for under-8s. Visit www.grandeastangliarun.co.uk.