Entries from across UK (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Entries from across UK

Matt O'Dowd, left, taking part in last year's Swindon Half Marathon Ref: 72778-13AUGUST 25: HUNDREDS of runners are flocking to take part in this year's Nationwide Swindon Fun Runs and Half Marathon.

And this year the contest, which is also backed by the Advertiser, is tipped to be the best ever.

Michelle Leighton, community affairs manager for the building society, has high hopes.

She said: "We have runners from right across the UK coming to take part.

"We have had entries from the Midlands, London, Wales and the West Country.

"We hope that we can make this one of the most prestigious runs in the region."

The number of entries for the combined activities is 860, and with a month left before the entry closing date, confidence is high that records will be broken.

Runners may be able to take on an Olympic athlete, and there is still a chance. Swindon's Olympic marathon runner, Matt O'Dowd, says he might run the course.

He said: "I will probably decide a week or two before the event.

The half marathon starts at 11 am on Sunday, October 16, from Nationwide headquarters in Pipers Way.

There will be a multi-terrain 4.3 mile fun run at Coate Water, starting at 11.10am and a two mile children's fun run, starting at 11.20am.

The closing date for all three events is Friday, September 23, or sooner if the race limit is reached.

Entry forms are available from the Advertiser offices in Victoria Road, and newsagents across Swindon. Entry fees are between £11.50 and £13, depending on athletics club affiliation.