With an impressive 2,500 runners signed up, the Children's Mutual Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon is now sold out.

Organisers have today said the news is a "huge success" for the Tunbridge Wells Harriers and everyone involved hosting in the event.

A limited number of South of England Athletics Association Half Marathon Championship entries are available for those who qualify and any unused places will be released to a waiting list on February 15.

Race director Sarah Russell said: "The event has seen enormous growth over the last three years since local child trust fund company, The Children's Mutual, became title sponsor, and in 2009 the race won the prestigious Runners World 'Most Improved Event' award.

"It's with the support of The Children's Mutual, the involvement of other sponsors and partners and the unwavering hard work of the club volunteers that the event has experienced such success and is now considered one of the leading half marathons in the South East."

Organisers say they are also honoured to welcome the world record holder and double leg amputee runner, Richard Whitehead who has run a half marathon in 1 hour and 17 minutes.

All participants are in for "a real treat" on February 28 as Olympic champion and race ambassador, Dame Kelly Holmes will start the race and hand out medals, cheering on her team of runners from her new charity Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.

All profits from the race are donated to charity, namely the Cardiomyopathy Association, a condition which is one of the biggest causes of sudden death in runners, and premature birth charity Ickle Pickles.

The organisers hope to raise over £20,000 this year for the two official charities and encourage runners to make a donation or raise money through sponsorship for these worthy causes.