More than 2,000 runners are limbering up to get on their marks for next weekend’s Wolverhampton Marathon — and it’s still not too late to take up the challenge.

Around 2,200 people have so far put their name down for the annual event, which will take over the city’s streets on September 5. And organisers say there is still time to sign up. Crowds are expected to again line the route to cheer on the runners, while drivers are being reminded some roads will be closed while runners pass through.

Final preparations will get into full swing after the Bank Holiday, with start and finishing points being set up in the city’s West Park.

The popular event, sponsored by city builders merchants Carvers, includes a full and half marathon, a relay challenge over the half marathon route, a 19.4k cycle event and a children’s mini marathon.

Runners will be issued with hi-tech electronic chips to time their run. The chips were used for the first time at last year’s marathon.

Although the deadline for postal entries closed on Saturday, organisers say there is still a chance this week to sign up by calling in person at Carvers Building Supplies, in Littles Lane, Wolverhampton. A late entries desk will also be open at West Park the day before the marathon and it will be manned from 12.30pm to 5pm. Staff will be accepting entries for all races except for the relay. Entries will not be accepted on the day.

Organisers still hope to beat last year’s entry numbers, which stood at 2,500 athletes. Ivan Savage, chairman of the marathon organising committee, said: “This is the second year we are operating chip timing for the events and we are extremely pleased to be able to continue to offer this.”

Last year’s marathon raised £23,000 for local charities. Causes set to benefit this year include Samaritans of Wolverhampton and Beacon Centre for the Blind.