PLANS for the Basingstoke Half Marathon are gathering pace in the final countdown to race day on Sunday.

Online entries are now closed, but those wishing to participate can sign up on the day, before 10am, for a limited number of late entries.

Local runners are also invited to collect their running number and T-shirt the day before the race between 10am and 2pm from the War Memorial Park.

This year there are record number of large charity teams, as well as impressive corporate and running club teams.

They will be joined by four elite athletes, Vincent Boit, Tom Payn, Alex Milne and Lydia Simiyu, so it could be an exciting contest for the top places and the 2012 course record could be under threat.

Race director Felicity Edwards, from Destination Basingstoke, which is organising the event said: “This is the fifth year for the Basingstoke Half Marathon and loyal runners that have participated every year will receive a commemorative Fifth Year Running wristband, to thank them for their loyalty and support.

“Runners will also be encouraged to do a high-five with spectators as they approach the finish to celebrate the fifth year.”

Felicity said residents should be aware that for the safety, there will be road closures in place on Sunday, as the in previous years. To find out more visit destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/basingstoke-half-marathon.

“This is a great community event and residents are encouraged to come out and join the party,” said Felicity.

The best and safest places to see the race are: Hackwood Road, near the roundabout, to see the start, then the War Memorial Park for the finish, where winners are expected in just after 12 noon.

  • Holiday Inn Basingstoke – a great place to see the early part of the race and give the runners some encouragement in their last mile.
  • The Jolly Farmer, in Cliddesden. The pub is open for breakfast from 9.30am, so get there early to avoid the road closures and watch the race pass through the village at mile 2 and 11.
  • The Fox Inn, in Ellisfield. The pub is open from 9.30am and is a great place to settle in for the day for a grandstand view of the runners on Green Lane tackling the longest hill of the race.

As road closures are in place along the whole route, Felicity advices that spectators to get there early to avoid disappointment and park considerately and not to block roads or other access points.