Bumper field for Hastings Half Marathon

Around 4,400 runners - roughly the same as last year's figure - are expected to enter the UK's leading event of its kind.

At the head of these, it is likely to be a close-fought race following the withdrawal of 2004 and 2005 champion Fred Mogaka.

The Kenyan star would have been the hot favourite to become the first three time winner in the half marathon's history, but has pulled out to take part in the Commonwealth Games.

"It's sweet and sour that really," said race director Eric Hardwick. "It's a shame that Fred won't be running because he was a bit special, but I think we will probably get a better race without him. We could have a terrific race which is what we've not had in recent years."

And although there is still one Kenyan competitor in the up-and-coming Christopher Boit, it has also raised hopes of a first UK winner since 1996, particularly as the country's top road runner, Huw Lobb (Bedford), has turned down an invite to the Commonwealth Games in favour of the local event.

A group of UK internationals will contest the women's honours, while the many fun runners will be raising thousands of pounds for charity. The race starts in Sea Road, St Leonards, from 10.30am.