Fun runners in Rochester mark Medway Olympic countdown

Nearly 2,000 people of all ages took part in the 2009 Medway Mile fun run

Thousands of people are to take part in a fun run in a Kent town to mark the start of the two-year countdown to the London Olympics.

Organisers hope more than 2,000 will take part in the one-mile Medway Mile event, centred on Rochester Castle.

This year's event includes children's races. a timed competition for adults as well as a family run at 1930 BST.

The five Medway towns are making a joint bid for city status in 2012 which marks the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Celebrations later in the evening, in support of the bid, include live music and other sports events.

"The Medway Mile is a wonderful event that delivers right to the heart of the legacy of the 2012 Games - the promotion of grassroots sport and inclusive mass participation events," said London Olympic Organising Committee member Mary McNally.