OFFICIALS have the entry level record for the Brooks/Caltex Sutherland to Surf fun run in their sights as the countdown to Sunday's annual event begins.
Race co-ordinator Mick Brannock said a record number of 7300 runners took to the course in 2010 while last year saw about 100 less.
About 6000 people have already registered with the early favourite being 2005 winner Scott Westcott, of Newcastle.
Westcott has a distinguished long-distance running career.
He finished fourth at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 and represented Australia at the world half marathon championships in 2000 and 2003.
The event, in its 41st year, allows people to support their own charity by logging on to the race website.
Registrations are still open: sutherland2surf.com.au.
Browny's blues
NATHAN Brown became the second former St George first-grader-turned-coach to be under scrutiny in the English Super League recently. He joined former teammate Mick Potter in the headlines after the former hooker was sacked just one day after Huddersfield's Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Warrington.
Brown's side has struggled since he signed a three-year contract with St Helens despite indicating his desire to return to Australia at the end of this season.
Brown joined Huddersfield in 2009 after six years in charge of St George Illawarra.
Meanwhile, Potter is tipped to join Parramatta as assistant to Steven Kearney after being made redundant by the embattled Bradford Bulls. Potter has continued to act as coach on a voluntary basis in recent weeks.
Proud send-off
A TRIO of swimmers have been picked in Australia's Paralympics team to travel to London for the Games starting August 29.
Reagan Wickens, of Grays Point, Mitch Kilduff, of Carlton, and Michael Auprince, of Peakhurst, will contest a range of events.
Wickens and Kilduff were on hand to receive recognition from Sutherland Shire Council at a special send-off ceremony at Sutherland Shire Leisure Centre where the pair train.
Check upcoming editions of the Leader for features on our Paralympic stars.
Talipeau back in ring
FORMER Australian middleweight champion Junior Talipeau is in preparation for his comeback.
Talipeau, who was part of reality TV series The Contender in 2009, has not fought since a 12-round loss against Zac Awad last July. He will fight on August 9 against an opponent to be announced.
Sharks snubbed again
CRONULLA have been overlooked again by Channel 9 with their blockbuster round 24 match against South Sydney at Toyota Stadium bumped to Saturday night in favour of Manly taking on lowly-placed Newcastle.
The match between Cronulla and Souths is likely to have ramifications on the top-four while Newcastle will most likely be out of finals contention.
Despite being one of the success stories of this season, the Sharks have had just three televised games on free-to-air.
