Start and finish chip timing will be used for the first time in the Canterbury 10 Mile Road Race on Sunday.

The event, which is being organised by Invicta East Kent Athletic Club, is expected to attract more than 1,000 entrants. It will start and finish at Chaucer Technology School in Canterbury.

Invicta coaching co-ordinator Peter Mullervy said: “It’s exactly the same technology as they use in the London Marathon.

“You put mats across the road and it records the time that a person crosses the start line and finish line. It does a calculation and gives them their time.”

Runners will have a chip placed in their shoes and their time will be recorded as they cross the finish line.

The race is a fast undulating route through Kent villages and scenic countryside.

“It is an interesting country lane course,” said Mullervy. “Places are still available and we’ve ordered an additional 200 chips to make sure we are covered.”

Places are available on the day at a cost of £16. The race will get underway at 11am. There will be a free T-shirt to all competitors in exchange for the returned chip after the race.