A RECORD number of entrants have signed up for this year's Acorns Triple Run on Sunday (June 7) at the Three Counties Showground near Malvern.

Over 1,750 people are expected to take part in the run, the fourth of its kind, and organisers are hoping for good weather – previous years have seen torrential rain and even floods.

The run consists of three events: the half-marathon, accredited by Worcester Athletic Club, the five-kilometre fun run and the wheelchair-friendly one-kilometre Chicken Run for people with special needs.

Aardman Animations is sending original figurines used in the making of its film Chicken Run to the event.

People are expected to come from near and far to take part. Entrants include a team from Malvern Splash, a team of police officers from Cheltenham, runners from Devon, Surrey, Oxford and London, and an 83-year-old from Somerset in his fourth year of running the five-kilometre race.

There is a host of challenges, including the Schools Challenge, College Challenge, Corporate Challenge and Club Challenge, whereby teams’ overall times can see them win special trophies.

Kerrie Davies of Acorns said: “The Triple Run is inspiring more people than ever to raise funds for Acorns. Its three-race format offers something that everyone can enjoy and get involved with. We’ve been bowled over by the response. It will be a great day.”

Acorns Children's Hospice offers round-the-clock nursing care for children with life-threatening illnesses, and offers family support whenever it is required.