Over 1,700 people have signed up for the June 15 event in Alexandra Park, but organisers of the Cancer Research UK race have said this week that the park can accommodate up to 3,500 runners.

Sussex area events manager for the charity, Carly Gibbs, is responsible for 11 Race for Life events in the counties, and will be coordinating the race volunteers in Hastings on the day.

Carly, 26, said: "I feel really lucky to have this event in Hastings. It's such a positive, wonderful event, and Alexandra Park is absolutely fantastic.

"It really is a magnificent day out. Some people might think, because it's for a cancer charity, it's a sad day, but it's not. It's so positive -everyone is just buzzing.

"The participants may be running for their own lives, or in memory of someone."

Carly and Cancer Research UK hope to raise more than £180,000 from sponsorship on the day, and Carly, from Brighton, said that people are never more than 30 miles away from somewhere where Cancer Research UK money is used.

She said: "The money raised is spent locally. In Hastings we've got research going on at the Conquest Hospital looking into different treatments of advanced bowel cancer."

To anyone still making their mind up about taking part, Carly said: "Just come along and have a go. It doesn't matter if you've never run a mile in your life. It's about having a fantastic day out."

To enter the race go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 6412274.