Pacers Track Club coach Cal Simons says he's delighted with the number of children who have signed up for this weekend's Telford Electric Magic Mile, the 14th edition of the popular event.

To date, some 680 schoolchildren have registered for the National Sports Centre races which will cater to various age groups ranging from four up to 12 years-old.Distances will vary according to the age groups

Again the the event is sponsored by Telford Industries in conjunction with the Bermuda Pacers.

With the official deadline for entries passing over the weekend, late entries can be submitted and Simons urged parents who want to enter their children to sign up today.

"We had 680 kids as of Monday and today (Thursday) is the last day to register, so hopefully people will come out and sign up their children if they haven't already," said Simons. "This is our 14th year in doing this event and Telford have always been supportive of us and this race.

"We first started with 150 kids and since then the event has grown in leaps in bounds."

Two changes have been made to this year's event will be the location of where entrants can pick up their numbers on race day and the addition of school prizes.

Numbers will now be picked up at NSC cricket pavilion on the North Field, instead of Devonshire Rec, between 8.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday.

The addition of school prizes is being made through a raffle that will take place at the end of the day from which pupils can win a voucher for their school.

Prizes include educational learning computers for the four to five age group, while the nine and unders can win a Nintendo Wii.Those between 10 and 15 can win a digital camera.

Simons noted that while the emphasis was on fun, the races will also provide the club a chance to scout young potential and will serve as an important fundraiser for upcoming projects including international meets.

"The difference this year is the number pick-up which will be at the cricket pavilion and the NSC and they are to come on the Roberts Avenue side to get to the pavilion and get the numbers said Simons.

"Most times we have a lot of kids in each group so we send them out in heats so they won't be too congested on the track.

Entry forms are available at the Telford Depot, The Sportseller, International Sports Shop and all public and private schools.