THEY will be working up a sweat for a charities and good causes across Romsey.

Hundreds of people will be putting their running shoes as they take part in an event which will see thousands of pounds raised for charity.

Records have been broken already after more people than ever have signed up to this year’s Barratt Homes Romsey Relay Marathon at the Broadlands Estate.

About 700 people are expected to take part in the race, which sees friends, families and colleagues all taking part, with many more expected to turn up on Sunday (April 17).

Since it began in 2013, more than £100,000 has been raised from the event which sees teams of 10 take it in turn to run two laps of a 1.3 mile course – 2.6 miles in total.

Thousands of people will be cheering them on as the baton is passed from one runner to another.

Romsey Rotary Club member and organiser, Charlie Daniel-Hobbs, said he was looking forward to the event.

“It’s growing in strength,” he said. “We had a team reception last Wednesday where people came along to get their numbers. The atmosphere was really good.

“We’re looking forward to another successful year. Thank you to all the organisers and captains of the teams and we wish everyone the best of luck.”

Some of the people taking part include three members of the Bishop family from who will be joining the Romsey Rockets team.

Dad Roy, from Rownhams, will be joined by his two sons Greg, 37, and Nick, 39, who are travelling from Sweden and Wimbledon respectively as they put their best foot forward for Jane Scarth House.

Roy, 71, said: “Most of the large charities they have volunteers and it’s a local one. They do good work, it’s not just the people suffering from and they do good work. It’s the only one I have the right feeling for. They need all the help they can get.”

Sarah Rowcliffe, charity ambassador for the cancer support centre based in The Hundred said: “We’re delighted once again that the Romsey Rockets and the team from Test Valley Borough Council have decided to participate in a marathon for Jane Scarth House.

“We’re very grateful for their help and we look forward to supporting them on the day.”

They will be joined by 50 runners raising cash for Toby Dobson from Chandler’s Ford and the special needs Hampshire school that supports him.

The nine-year-old has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease.

The youngster's twin brother died at just two hours old but Toby, who weighed just 1lb 12oz at birth, has battled through life, undergoing heart surgery, a hernia operation and eight blood transfusions, spending 160 days in hospital.

Now his family hope to raise more than £4,000 for the Rotary Club, Team Toby’s charity and the Shepherds Down School near Winchester.

Registration is from 8.45am to 9.30am with the race starting at 10am.