A Sheffield athletics club for people with learning difficulties is looking to raise £5,000 to fund their trip to the National Special Olympic Games.

Top Club, based at Don Valley Stadium, has registered 19 runners in the 2009 SIG Insulations Sheffield 3k Fun Run, which takes place on 26 April.

Over 40 members of the club hope to make the trip to the games, which will be held in Leicester this summer and took place in Sheffield in 1993, and will take part in events such as athletics, swimming and cycling.

Phil Morgan, who has organised the trip, said: "The opportunity to take part in the National Games will give our athletes the opportunity to demonstrate their sporting prowess, built up through years of dedicated training, and will give them the chance to meet and build friendships with fellow athletes from across Britain.

"But at a cost of over £300 per person, we need financial assistance to support our goal."

The club has already raised around £10,000 towards the trip.

The run, which begins at 9.40am, starts after the beginning of the 13.1 mile SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon and will take entrants on the pathways in and around the stadium.

Margaret Lilley, chair of the Half Marathon organising committee, said: "The Fun Run is a great opportunity for those who want to have a bit of fun whilst raising money for fantastic causes, as well as youngsters just starting out in the world of running.

"Children and adults alike are welcome to take part, as well as wheelchair users, we like to see the array of fancy dress costumes some runners wear on the day - the wackier the better as far as we are concerned!

"The 2009 SIG Sheffield Half Marathon has proved more popular than ever - with applications hitting the 5,500 people limit in record time, but we still have places for the fun run."

The gruelling half marathon race, which leaves Don Valley Stadium at 9.30am, will see participants head down to Hunters Bar before returning to the stadium to cross the finish line.

To support Top Club's fundraising efforts, please contact Phil Morgan on 0114 268 5690.

For more information or to secure a place in the fun run on behalf of the chosen charities, please visit www.sheffieldmarathon.com.