It's time to strap on your trainers (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

It's time to strap on your trainers

JUNE 23: RUNNERS young and old are being called to sign up for this year's Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon.

Entrants have been signing up for the 13.1-mile challenge for a month now but organisers are urging more people to join in.

All the money raised will be going straight to Prospect Hospice in Wroughton to help them hit their £2m fundraising target.

The official website is now up and running to give people all the latest news and the opportunity to enter the half marathon online.

The event, which is being sponsored by Nationwide, the Advertiser and Swindon Council, will start at 11am on Sunday, October 16, from Nationwide's Headquarters in Pipers Way.

Up to 3,000 people can take part in the run, which covers a tough, hilly course winding down Queens Drive, through Liddington and back to Piper's Way.

Last year 2,000 fit Swindonians laced up their trainers to run the course. But Peter Robinson, joint race director, hopes this year they will hit the 3,000-mark.

Mr Robinson is working with Steve Connolly to make this year's half marathon even better than last year.

He said: "The website's has been improved and people can enter the race online by downloading an entry form, which is quick and easy.

If you cannot manage the 13-mile half marathon there is also a multi-terrain 4.3-mile fun run at Coate Water, starting at 11.10am, and a two-mile children's fun run from Pipers Way to Queens Drive and back again, starting at 11.20am.

Maggie Gill, fundraising co-ordinator for Prospect Hospice, is delighted they will be given a boost with this extra cash.

He said: "Prospect is thrilled to be the charity of the Nationwide Swindon Fun Runs and Half Marathon in our 25th anniversary year.

"Prospect will walk or run the journey alongside patients when they need us and what better way for our local community to demonstrate their support but to join in and make October 16 count for Prospect.

"Each day we need to raise the majority of our funds from the local community and voluntary sources so we can share not only our skills and expertise, but also our time, friendship and passion to make a difference. I hope our local community will rise to the challenge and support us in our passion for making each day count.

"On behalf of everyone at Prospect, we would like to say a huge thank-you to the team who put all the hard work into the event."

Anyone over the age of 17 can enter the half marathon.

The closing date is Friday, September 23.