October 9 2004: MOST couples get early nights on their honeymoon but Andy Rhodes and Caroline Painter will probably be too tired for anything but sleep.

The couple, of Stratton Village, will go the extra mile to ensure their married life is a success by running the Swindon Half Marathon next Sunday.

They say they are happy to swap wedded bliss for blisters two days after their wedding at Blunsdon House Hotel on October 15.

But to help recover from the combined effects of their wedding party and the run, they will travel to a castle outside Edinburgh for a week-long honeymoon.

"At the end of the day it's the first marathon in Swindon for a very long time so we were determined to do it," said Mr Rhodes.

"We're not out to break any records. We just want to get round and have a bit of fun. We're both pretty fit so we should be OK for our honeymoon. We will probably be more tired from the journey to Scotland."

Not satisfied with running the marathon themselves, the couple, both aged 33, have encouraged wedding guests to take part as well as Caroline's son's football team.

Eight-year-old Harrison, who will give his mum, an instructor at the Link Centre, away at the wedding ceremony, is goalkeeper for Shaw FC and will enter the two-mile fun run.

"Hopefully, some of his team mates will run with him," said Andy, who owns his own building company. "It'll be a good training session for them."

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.

About 1,200 runners, including Olympian Matt O'Dowd, of Rodbourne, are expected to run the route, and others have entered the 4.3-mile fun run and two-mile dash.

The 13.1-mile half race will take in meadows around Liddington and Wanborough, while the two short courses will be held at Coate Water.

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