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A record number of team entries within the first 24 hours saw Cambridge’s Chariots of Fire charity relay race off to its best start yet. A rush of entries using the online registration system meant more than 10 teams registered on the first day alone.

Filling up the three top spots were web agency Studio 24, Old Peculiars and the Comberton Crinklies.

First up, Cambridge-based specialist web design and development agency, Studio 24, entered their all male team for the 2010 race.

Sales & Marketing Manager, Jonathan Woods, said: “The Studio 24 team is made up of occasional joggers. The company loves entering Chariots of Fire as it’s always such a great event, benefiting worthwhile charities. It’s unlikely we will be pushing the running clubs for the top positions, as this year we will be running in fancy dress.”

The team hope to raise at least £500 for the charities.

Over in Comberton, the Crinklies have taken part in the last 6 Chariots of Fire races. Team Manager Kenny Isbister said the team comprises a group of friends who meet regularly.

Kenny explained: “The philosophy is those that run the previous year get first refusal and if they cannot then someone else takes their place. They then keep their place until they cannot make it one year. We always have two reserves. Some of the team train regularly and others have a bottle of red wine the night before which seems to work as all the runners seem to get good times with two particularly keen to break 10 minutes this year.”

Last up, in team three, are the Old Peculiars, lead by team manager George Wynch, who signed up for their second year at Chariots of Fire.

He said: “Chariots is a great way to introduce our children to the importance of charities in providing for those less fortunate to themselves and at the same time gives us an incentive to work on fitness over the summer. Last year was a real family day out - let’s hope the weather is just as kind in 2010!”

This year runners are raising money for two local and worthwhile charities – Home-Start, Cambridge & District and Wallace Cancer Care. The race follows in the footsteps of the famous film, taking a 1.7 mile route around the town, along The Backs and through some of the City’s most beautiful Colleges.

The race is sponsored by leading local law firm Hewitsons and is supported by the Cambridge News.

Race Director Charles Hewitson said: “Many thanks to the teams who have already entered the race this year. We hope many more will join them for what promises to be another exciting event. The event takes place on Sunday 19 September on Queens’ Green in Cambridge and we hope that everyone will come and join us on the day and support of these two excellent charities.”

To enter a team, visit www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk. For further information, email admin@chariots-of-fire.co.uk or call 01223 461155.

Trainers at the ready - it’s the launch of Chariots of Fire 2010.

The event is the region’s largest charity relay race and follows a scenic 1.7 mile course through the colleges and Backs of Cambridge, following in the footsteps of the famous film which documented the British team’s path to victory in the 1924 Olympic Games.

This year, Chariots of Fire has chosen two charities to benefit from the generous sponsorship raised each year by runners – Home-Start, Cambridge & District and Wallace Cancer Care.

Home-Start Cambridge & District helps to reconnect and reintegrate families with their community. Children, parents and the wider community all benefit from Home-Start Cambridge & District’s work.

The charities volunteers help to reduce isolation and increase social support networks, strengthen parent-child relationships, improve the parents’ emotional health and wellbeing, help develop parenting skills, improve children’s health, well being and development, increase access to health, education and community services.

Wallace Cancer Care aims to ease the suffering and distress of many cancer patients, their carers and families by providing a range of support and information services in their two drop-in centres.

The Information Centre in Addenbrooke’s Hospital concourse is a place to talk things through with former oncology nurses, and is particularly accessible to in- and out-patients, their families and carers.  The larger Wallace House in Red Cross Lane (a short 3 minute walk from Oncology Department) is set in lovely gardens and provides the venue for complementary therapies, counselling, talks, workshops, courses, and support groups.  Patients can also drop-in for a cup of tea and a chat, or simply rest and revive before and after appointments, or when treatment or appointments have been delayed.

Once again the event is sponsored by leading regional law firm, Hewitsons, and supported by media partners, the Cambridge News.

Race Director, Charles Hewitson from Hewitsons added, “We are delighted to be able to support two very worthwhile and local causes.”

 “Chariots of Fire is a great opportunity for local organisations and college members to join together for a great cause, whilst getting fit in the process. For those who don’t want to run in the race, it is also a great fun day out to come along and support the teams.”

The race takes place on Sunday 19 September and starts and ends on Queens’ Green. Teams, of varying categories, are made up of 6 runners, who run the course in relay format.

Team registrations can now be made online only at www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk. If you would like to enter a team, please visit the Enter page and follow the link.