More than 8,000 people have signed up to take part in the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon.

Organisers of the city’s inaugural event, on October 26, initially predicted entries would top 5,000 but reached 8,000 by the cut-off date of September 26.

Councillor Ray Hassall, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: “We are absolutely delighted that people have now signed up to take part in this event.

“It is going to be a fantastic event for Birmingham and I am delighted that so many local people have been inspired to participate in what is going to be a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the city.

“A half marathon is a big challenge for many people so we do want to encourage every single runner to make sure that they are fully prepared for this event.

“The recent wet weather may affect some people’s training schedules but I’d like to remind runners that with the huge number of Birmingham City Council leisure facilities across the city, there are plenty of indoor training options for people to take advantage of.”

Triathlete Toby Radcliffe, of Athletes for a Fit Planet, has been appointed as EDF Energy’s sustainability expert for the race, also known as the Race Against Climate Change.

Every entrant has been invited to join the 2012 Carbon Challenge at www.savetodaysavetomorrow.com, which was launched to encourage people to reduce their home energy carbon footprint by one tonne by 2012.

Mr Radcliffe said: “We’ve come up with some simple ideas and suggestions so that people can try and save energy and be greener whilst they are training for the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon.

“For example people should be drinking more water while they are training, so we suggest using refillable bottles rather than buying bottled water. We’re also encouraging people to eat local fresh produce, which as well as being good for you means fewer food miles so less carbon will have been used to transport the food that you eat.”

Volunteers are also needed to help man water stations and marshall the course, start and finish areas for the inaugural Birmingham half marathon.

Anyone interested in helping out can contact Birmingham City Council on 0121 464 2012.