THERE'S just three days to go until the Swindon Half Marathon on Sunday.

Competitors should be thinking about abstaining from alcohol, getting a goodnight's sleep and tucking into high-carbohydrate pasta.

Among the crowd of 1,500 runners will be serial fundraiser Patrick Broderick.

The 37-year-old, of Ruskin Avenue, has already received £500 in sponsorship and plans to donate the cash to the Thames-down Hydrotherapy Pool.

Funds will help bosses of the pool in Jefferies Avenue with their £250,000 long-term plan which includes buying extra land.

Two years ago Mr Broderick, who works at the WH Smith warehouse in Stratton, raised £1,000 for the pool through a sponsored swim.

He has previously taken part in the annual North Wilts Rotary Club race to raise funds for Prospect Hospice in Wroughton.

Mr Broderick said: "I've been running five miles a day and I hope to complete the half marathon in one hour 45 minutes."

"I enjoy keeping fit and the hydrotherapy pool is grateful for the support."

Olympian Matt O'Dowd is also relishing the prospect of the half marathon and will be among an estimated 1,200 runners.

Over the summer Matt, from Rodbourne, completed the Athens marathon despite sweltering temperatures. Other Swindon residents taking part include Andy Rhodes and Caroline Painter, of Stratton Village, who will run two days after their wedding at Blunsdon House Hotel tomorrow.

The Evening Advertiser has teamed up with Swindon Council and Nationwide to organise the half marathon, which is aimed at all abilities.

It will be the first time in 20 years that a running event of this scale has been held in the town.

All money raised will go to Age Concern Swindon, the Swindon Cancer Appeal, the NSPCC and the GWR Community Trust.

The 13.1-mile race, which starts outside Nationwide in Pipers Way at 11am, will take in meadows around Liddington and Wanborough.

There will be two short courses, at Coate Water at 11.10am and 11.20am.

Although the deadline for the half marathon has passed, people are still encouraged to turn out in force for the fun races which can be entered on the day.

Anyone interested in marshalling the event can phone 01793 464754.