Chippenham Half Marathon is a community event, raising tens of thousands of pounds for local charities.

Fifteen hundred runners from far and wide are racing for prizes, for charity, for the achievement of running more than 13 miles or trying to get a personal best.

Spectators line the route, villagers offering jelly babies, their support and cheering as the runners go by is always appreciated.

A large number of marshals, who do anything from setting up the course, starting the race, handing out water, trying to minimise traffic disruption to handing out goody bags, give up their time for free.

This race is an annual event and unfortunately for a short time locals are inconvenienced by road closures and busy lanes which makes getting out and about for some on Sunday morning a little difficult.

For most, they don’t complain, and wait patiently for runners to go past and then carry on.

Alas, for a few, their time is so precious, their journey so important, their urgent need to be somewhere else so vital, it means they get frustrated with waiting, are rude and can even be dangerous to runners and marshals alike in their rush to turn their car around or charge down the lane next to runners. You know who you are so why do you do it?

Our Continental cousins are far more forgiving when similar events take place in Europe with all day road closures.

To the majority of local residents who supported the race, many thanks.

To those few who didn’t support the competitors through their almost reckless behaviour on the roads, remember who funds charities that you may one day need.

And, if nothing else, stop being such spoil sports, its once a year. Get real!

A Chippenham competitor