Today is the deadline for registration for this weekend’s Telford Electric Magic Mile, with organisers expecting close to 900 participants again this year.The event is in its 17th year and is one of the most popular junior events on the sports calendar. So far 550 youngsters between the ages of four and 15 have signed up and Cal Simons, the race director along with Wayne Raynor, expects the final numbers to be close to last year’s 900 entries.Completed entry forms must be returned to the Telford Depot in Somerset, the International Sports Shop or Sportseller, both in the Washington Mall, by today.Bermuda Pacers Track Club are again organising the event, which starts at noon with the quarter-mile races for four year olds while six and seven year olds will run the half mile course of two laps around the track. The older age groups will compete over the mile distance which includes leaving the National Stadium and covering a course in the Arboretum before finishing back at the stadium.Race numbers can be collected at the cricket pavilion between 8.30 and 11am.Included in the programme will be 200, 400 and 1,500 metres races for athletes hoping to reach Carifta Games qualifying times. Many past and current Carifta athletes got their track start in the Telford Miles, including the likes of Alexis Bean, Ashley Berry, Juma Mouchette, Trey Simons, Matthew Spring, Tre Houston and Kyle Webb.“Most of those who have been a part of Pacers have always taken part in the event,” said Simons who acknowledges the support of Telford since the event’s inception.“The club must give thanks to Telford Industries because without their support we would not be able to make this happen,” said Simons. “They have been title sponsors for 17 years.”Again, monetary awards of $200 will be presented to the schools who have the most students finish the race. Last year’s winning schools were Southampton Pre-school, Northlands Primary and TN Tatem Middle School.“The only stipulation is that they have to have 20 or more students complete the race,” said Simons. “Schools like Northlands and West Pembroke from the primary schools normally have large numbers and this year we have received 40 plus from Elliott for the first time. St. John’s Pre-school, Southampton Pre-school and, this year, Creative Touch, have a large number of students competing.”Some parking will be available at the cricket pavilion and at CedarBridge Academy, but those attending are advised not to park outside the Parsons Road entrance to the stadium. Access to the stadium will be on the Roberts Avenue side.