The record line-up of competitors for the Slieau Whallian fell race on New Year’s Day has already been well and truly smashed.

By Monday lunchtime the maximum number of 300 had been reached, so organising club, Manx Fell Runners, decided to put a reserve list in place.

Those pre-entered are strongly advised to register no later than 1pm on Friday at St John’s Football Club. An additional opportunity to register and pick up numbers will be this evening (Wednesday) between 5.30 and 7pm at the Manor Hotel, Willaston.

Registration opens from 12.15pm on the day and the places of any failing to register by 1pm will be given to the first available runners on the reserve list. Likewise, those that decide in advance that they are not going to participate should contact the organisers via Facebook or the website manxfellrunners.org by New Year’s Eve.

Start time for the David Cretney-sponsored event is 1.30 from the cricket field. The river crossing at Mullen-e-cloie is likely to be packed, so spectators may well wish to don suitable walking shoes and venture higher up the three-mile course to watch the action. Runners are encouraged to wear fancy dress.

All entry fees will be donated to HBOT, the Hyperbaric Chamber. Please park in either of the large areas in Station Road or behind Tynwald Hill Inn.