ATHLETES disappointed at the cancellation of the Swindon half marathon are being encouraged to enter another race just down the road at Cricklade.

The Swindon run was due to be held next month but organisers at SEQOL Community Foundation pulled the plug after failing to raise enough money to stage it. Earlier this week the Advertiser revealed it was £25,000 short of the cash needed to cover costs such as safety barriers and toilets.

But the team behind Cricklade half marathon say it still has spaces for runners. The event on October 2 also features a 10k race and a fun run for all ages.

It’s the first year that Cricklade Leisure Centre has been responsible for running the event, with the help of committee members who have organised it for the last decade.

Usually the race is held a week or two before the Swindon competition. “The half marathon route is a flat route so it is a great training run for people doing other events,” said committee member Jane Whinfrey.

“We get people coming from far and wide, it’s surprising.”

Many competitors travelled along the M4 corridor from places like Reading and Cardiff. Others turned up from the Midlands. She said one year a whole group of runners came from Cambridgeshire.

One possible reason for the attraction was the welcoming atmosphere. “They do comment on how friendly we are. It’s a family event run by the community for the community. They are encouraged all the way round and the marshals are very good at waving them along,” said Jane.

The town council also presents a trophy to the first Cricklade men and women to cross the line in the half marathon and the 10k.

Athletes in the two distance races set off down the high street and head out into the countryside, giving them a chance to savour the scenery. The route takes them from St Sampson’s School out into the Cotswold Water Park.

Meanwhile the fun runners tackle a one-and-a-half mile course around the town. “That can be quite competitive,” said Jane. “Some of the youngsters go off at a fair old pace.”

Sponsorship takes care of some of the running costs and the proceeds are shared between local good causes including St Sampsons, which provides the start line, Cricklade Scouts who help out on the day and other groups such as Cricklade Open Door.

The leisure centre will also be one of the beneficiaries. Nine years ago it was saved from closure by local people and it is now managed by a group of trustees on behalf of the town.

Anyone wanting to enter the Cricklade races can visit crickladefunrun.co.uk for information and registration forms. The races start at 10.30am.

Organisers are also looking to recruit more volunteer marshals to help on the day. Email Louise@crickladeleisure.co.uk