The event – backed by the Observer – has been chosen as the Sussex 10k road championship event.

One of the organisers, Gavin Ocklee-Brown, said: "This means the race has attracted more club runner interest than usual.

"There are 30 men saying they will run the 10k in under 37 minutes and ten ladies aiming to go under 41 minutes. We'll see which group are the most realistic!"

The men's race record stands at 31min 6sec for men, set by Matthew Normington in 2005.

The quickest time around the seafront course by a woman was in 1999 when Jenny Anne Brown crossed the finishing line in 35min 19sec. Neither has entered this year.

Among those looking to set a new mark is Chichester Runners star James Baker, a consistent supporter of the race since it began in 1995. His best time is just over 31 minutes.

There's also the likelihood of the biggest number of finishers in the race's history. Fine weather should see more runners than ever return to West Park, from where they will have started at 10.30am on the circular route to Felpham.

The number of entries – 1,509 – is 20 short of last's year best. But only 1,226 finished in 2007 – many of those due to line up at the start looked at the wet and windy weather and stayed away.

The number able to enter has increased in the past two years because the introduction of chip timing has enabled the previous restriction on entries to be overcome.

But the race, which has Peter Cooper Volkswagen as a main sponsor, is about a lot more than the difference between a second or two in a finishing time.

Ocklee-Brown, of Bognor Hotham Rotary Club, explained: "It's not just for speedy, fit, regular runners. It's for the whole community.

"People use it as a challenge, either on a personal basis or for raising funds for charities. Many are happy to get round in the 90-minute maximum."

Bognor's Tone Zone Runners are well-represented and look set to field the biggest team. Meanwhile, Derek Porter (75) from Reigate will complete his 200th 10k wearing number 200.

Two fun runs along the promenade will ensure for youngsters as well – 12 to 14-year-olds run 1,500m at 9.15am and eight to 11s cover 800m from 9.25am.

* See www.chichester.co.uk and next week's Observer for full coverage.