Darlington'S top female 10km athlete tried out the course for the town's annual road run yesterday.

Susie Rutherford, who ran the Darlington 10k Road Race in just over 35 minutes last year, timed herself around this year's route before heading to the Dolphin Centre for a treadmill training session.

Ms Rutherford, a member of Darlington Harriers, has had injury problems this year but organisers believe she is in line to retain her title as fastest woman around the course this year.

More than 1,000 competitors from the North-East are expected to compete on August 10.

But Monday's closing date means that after this weekend, runners will have to pay a £2 late fee on top of their entry money.

Along with the 10km run, there is a one mile fun run and a 3.5km race for youngsters aged 14 to 16.

The race is organised by Darlington Borough Council and the town's Rotary Club and is sponsored by Sherwoods car dealership.

The whole race will be traffic-free this year.

Runners must be over 15 to take part in the 10km race, which costs £7 for athletic club members and £8 for non-members. The fun run is £2 for adults and £1 for children and entry to the junior race is £3. After Monday, entry fees will rise by £2. To enter, pick up a form from the Dolphin Centre reception.