Runners pour over the start of the 2006 event

The Bupa Great Winter Run 2007 in Edinburgh has attracted a record entry, reflecting the growing popularity of running in Scotland.

The 5.2km course starts and finishes behind Dynamic Earth.

It will be followed by top-class international cross-country races around Holyrood Park which will be televised live by the BBC.

The race organisers told Great Winter Run entrants that the hardest uphill section was at the start of the route.

A spokeswoman said: "We would advise runners to take it easy from the start and then enjoy the views of Edinburgh as they return down Arthur's Seat to the finish."

Weather prediction

BBC weather presenter Heather Reid said the high winds and rain predicted for Thursday and Friday were forecast to ease to leave brighter spells especially in Edinburgh and the east of Scotland.

Runners have been given a personal chip device which will record their 5km and 5.2km times.

Before the main mass participation event at 1130 GMT, hundreds of children aged between seven and 13 will take part in the Tesco Junior Great Winter Run, a 2.4km cross-country race, starting at 1000 GMT.

Kenenisa Bekele breaks the tape in the 2006 cross-country race

Colin Hill, event director of the EventScotland Great Edinburgh International Cross-Country, said: "The course has been changed from last year and it's going to be a fast with a few wee climbs that should test all the competitors.

"I'm looking forward to a great day of running."

There will be no parking in Holyrood Park on Saturday and road closures on Queens Drive will be in place from 0600 GMT.

Among the elite athletes taking part in the international cross-country races is Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, the Olympic champion over 10km and world record holder over 5km and 10km.

Australia's World Cup 3km champion Craig Mottram has pulled out because of injury.

The head-to-head clash with Bekele in the 9.2km race was expected to be one of the big draws of the meeting.

Bekele's countrywoman Gelete Burka will be back to defend her 6.2km title.

The event is free for spectators and is live on BBC One between 1305 and 1430 GMT.