THE second Destination Basingstoke Shire Half-Marathon takes place on Sunday when hundreds of runners will take on the challenging 13-mile course.

Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success, with hundreds of spectators lining the streets to cheer on the 1,200 runners, and it is hoped this year’s event will be even better.

Organised by not-for-profit company Destination Basingstoke, the half-marathon on October 7 will see runners head out from Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park, through Cliddesden, Farleigh Wallop and Ellisfield, and back. Destination Basingstoke managing director Felicity Edwards said: “After last year’s runaway success, we have worked hard to try to make the 2012 race even better. Again, we are indebted to our many partners and advisers who have helped us.

“We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support from residents, runners, businesses and the media, and especially our sponsors and volunteers. “We really hope you enjoy the race and take away some happy memories of our town, and that you will be back next year.”

This year, participants can enter on the day, with registration at War Memorial Park from 8.30am until 10am. Elite runners all the way from Kenya are among the competitors, raising the event’s profile. As previously reported in The Gazette, the two athletes, Andrew Lesuuda and Agnes Chebet, are from the Run Fast training camp in the town of Iten in the Rift Valley.

Prizes will be awarded to the winners based on gun times, with cash rewards for individuals and trophies for teams. A full list of runners will be published in an eight-page special in The Gazette on Thursday, October 11, featuring every participant’s name and gun time finish.

For those coming to watch the half-marathon, the race starts at War Memorial Park at 11am and there is free parking close by off London Road.

  • See tomorrow's Gazette for more information, including the best places to watch and road closures. You can also visit basingstokehalfmarathon.com.