Places for the event, which this year will start in the grounds of Warwick Castle rather than St Nicholas Park and end in the grounds of Kenilworth Castle, are filling up fast.

Organisers Kenilworth Rotary Club expect a record number of entries this year topping the 3,000 mark and the event will once again be sponsored by Leamington solicitors Blythe Liggins.

Bob Kelly, of Kenilworth Rotary Club, said: "We have just over 2,000 runners signed up so far and we're confident that it will be a full house on the day.

"But people need to get their names down fast as the closing date is only a few weeks away."

The event has been given new status this year as it has received a licence from UK Athletics allowing the 2009 event up to 3,000 runners for this year.

It now incorporates the Warwickshire Amateur Athletic 10 Kilometre Championship.

Mr Kelly added: "The new status means the Two Castles, now its 27th year, will be expanded to accommodate a record 3,000 entrants and will attract many more elite runners.

"But the event will still remain a race for everybody, from fun runners raising money for charity to athletes seeking national recognition."

Richard Thornton, a senior partner at Blythe Liggins, said: "This is marvellous news.

"We have been sponsoring the Two Castles for three years and we know how much hard work the organisers have put in to winning this new status.

"I'm also pleased to hear that the start line will be returning to inside Warwick Castle, with the finish inside Kenilworth Castle. This makes it a truly two castles event."

Last year's male winner was 20-year-old Richard Harper, who completed the course from Warwick to Kenilworth in 34 minutes and one second.

He had a clear lead of one minute and 38 seconds over second man Phillip Gould.

The female open winner was 24-year-old Sophie Williams, who completed the course in 38 minutes and 19 seconds – a new course record.

She finished one minute and 39 seconds ahead of second placed female Helen Finch.

The race began as a fun run in 1983 with 450 spaces and has grown to become one of the area's biggest events of its kind.

This year many individuals and businesses will run the 10km race for charity from all over Warwickshire.

Rawstorne Heran Solicitors in Stratford Upon Avon is just one company team taking part.

The team hopes that the training will get them fit as well as raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation should visit:

www.justgiving.com/rawstorneheran

The closing date for entries to the event is May 8.