The Medway Mile will take place in Rochester today, Tuesday, the anniversary of the countdown to the London 2012 opening ceremony.

Already more than 1,000 runners and walkers have signed up for the one-mile fun run.

For the first time the event will feature dedicated races for children and adults keen to run the mile for a competitive time.

The children's race takes place at 6.20pm, followed by the adults and elite runners race at 7pm.

The main family run will start at 7.30pm - the exact time the opening ceremony will begin in the Olympic stadium in two years' time.

The runners will also be in the company of sporting stars Paul Nihill, 1964 Olympic silver medallist in the 50k walk, who lives in Chatham. and Liz McVeigh, member of the women's eight in the rowing at the 1980 Games, who lives in Rochester.

Jack Denness, from Rochester will also be attending fresh from his amazing feat of completing the Death Valley Badwater Ultramarathon in California just days ago.

The Medway Mile is completely free to enter and every runner or walker receives a free souvenir t-shirt.

The evening also features free sporting have-a-go activities and other entertainment including inflatables, face-painting, arts and crafts and much more.

As part of Medway’s bid to secure city status in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year in 2012, this year's Medway Mile festivities will extend later into the evening and feature live music, refreshments and activities to involve the community in the city status campaign.