LIONS, birds, dogs and a selection of other animals and oddities will soon be limbering up for a potential world record-breaking race…and you could also be there. The Mascot Grand National is taking place at Huntingdon Racecourse next month and The Hunt

LIONS, birds, dogs and a selection of other animals and oddities will soon be limbering up for a potential world record-breaking race...and you could also be there.

The Mascot Grand National is taking place at Huntingdon Racecourse next month and The Hunts Post is searching for a reader to don our hound suit and run the race.

The competition will work in two parts: First we want someone to find the perfect name for our hound, and secondly we want you to nominate someone fit enough to take on the mascots from around the country who will line up for the race on Sunday, October 5.

In the past the race has attracted up to 70 mascots from sports clubs, businesses and other organisations. However, Huntingdon Racecourse wants the 2008 John Smith's Mascot Grand National to be the biggest ever with more than 100 mascots running (or staggering) the gauntlet.

The race has even attracted support for Arsenal and England footballer Theo Walcott, who is an ambassador for the event's official charity, the Willow Foundation. The charity was founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson to provide special days for serious ill people.

"This year's Mascot Grand National has the potential to be a world record-breaking race, and we think Huntingdonshire should be represented at the start line - if not the finish," said Andy Veale, editor of The Hunts Post. "One of our readers will be able to compete against some of the most famous mascots in the business - and if previous years are to go by, some famous athletes as well.

"Our search begins this week for The Hunts Post reader who can cope with the pressure of Huntingdonshire's expectations, someone who can cope with the extremities of mascot racing, and who will hopefully not fall over at the first hurdle!"

He added: "In all seriousness, this really is about the 'taking part' and the fun side of the race. However, the winner of our competition will need to be fit as running in an oversized novelty costume is definitely not for the feint hearted."

The race starts at about 1.10pm, is over one furlong (220 yards) and includes hurdles. INFORMATION: To enter the competition, send your suggested name for our Hunts Post mascot - and your nomination for someone to run in the costume - to Mascot Competition, The Hunts Post, 30 High Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TB. You can also enter via e-mail: editor@huntspost.co.uk

The person nominated to run in the race will have to be 18-years-old or over, have a clean bill of health and sign a disclaimer for any injuries that occur in the race - it can get a bit rough!

Deadline for entries will be Friday, September 19. Usual Archant rules apply.