THE current Chippenham Half Marathon organising committee of Kevin Napier, Ian Wiggins and Chris Constable are stepping down from the role.

The trio have been involved with the organisation and execution of the race since it was resurrected back in 2008 but have now passed those duties to Chippenham Harriers, who have agreed to continue to take the race forward in its current charity and fundraising format.

Wiggins said: "The outgoing CHM committee would like to express their gratitude to all those who have provided so much assistance in the past and present.

"In particular Paul Dodd, Ann Slator, John Duckenfield, Andy Thatcher, Liz Thatcher and Paul Edwards who were instrumental in getting the race off the ground in 2008 and providing support over the years.

We would like to thank all the sponsors that have supported us since 2008, in particular CD Fencing for the traffic management services and highway signage which they provided free of charge, Par Foods from Calne for the sourcing and storage of the race supplies, John Williams Heating and finally David and Gill Powell who have been great friends to the Chippenham Half Marathon and donated the prize money for the winners of the men’s and women’s races.

"A mention should also go to the multitude of other local businesses such as Carol Plumridge Osteopathy, Travis Perkins and Norman E Webb for the support they have provided over the years.

"Also a huge thank you to the Wiltshire Council authorities notably Kevin Oliver, Wiltshire Events on the Highway coordinator and John Cole at Wiltshire Highways & Transport whose guidance and hard work behind the scenes have enabled the successful running of the race.

"A special thanks to Chippenham Sports & Social Club and Chippenham Cricket Club for allowing us the use of their grounds without which the race could not be hosted, and to Chippenham Harriers for supplying race day marshals and volunteers.

"All of the above contributors have enabled the race to be able to donate more than £80,000 to charities and local good causes and to provide a platform for the runners to raise many tens of thousands of pounds more through sponsorship to support charities and good causes that are close to their hearts.

"We hope that under the control of Chippenham Harriers the Chippenham Half Marathon will continue to be one of the premiere events in the running calendar and will raise many more thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes.''