A maximum field of 3,000 runners of all shapes, sizes and ages will run around the streets of Rochester tonight and then watch the Olympic opening ceremony on a giant screen at the Castle gardens.

The Medway Mile has been staged on July 27 every year since 2007 and has grown each time.

Runner will include the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, Gills mascot Tommy T and dozens of soldiers in full kit.

Rochester shortly before the opening ceremony for the London Olympics.

The route will go through Rochester High Street, The Vines and the cathedral grounds before entering the Norman keep of Rochester Castle.

The opening ceremony will take place at 5pm and include performances from local groups Open Circle/The Soul Branch and Jade Street Dancers.

This will be followed by the children’s races 30 minutes later. An official mascot race starts at 6.30pm, with the competitive race 15 minutes later.

Then the Medway Mile gets under way at 7.30pm. kmfm’s Breakfast host Rob Wills will be presenting at the event.

The team of soldiers will be led by Cpl Jeremy Forester, from Brompton Barracks.

Thirty minutes after the Mile the castle gardens will be transformed inot a site where people can watch the opening ceremony for free. There's family entertainment, food and music, plus fireworks to mark the start of London 2012.