THE Basingstoke Half Marathon and 10k will be held on Sunday, October 2.

Organisers Destination Basingstoke said it is excited to welcome the runners again and there is still time to enter the races.

Online entries close on Wednesday, September 28, and there will be some places available on the day of the marathon too (up until 10am).

Although it takes place on the same day as the London Marathon, organisers said the Basingstoke event is half the distance, and much easier to get to.

The popular race starts and finishes in War Memorial Park, following a picturesque route out to the south of the town through the villages of Cliddesden, Ellisfield and Farleigh Wallop.

The race is supported by headline sponsors Phillips Law and as well as other sponsors - Lilly, Tech Data, Farleigh Wallop Estates, Nomios and Lenovo.

All these businesses are also fielding big teams, contesting the corporate trophy.

Phillips Solicitors director Jack Gardener said: “We are delighted to support the Basingstoke Half again. The superb scenery on the race course, great organisation and fantastic atmosphere make it a really special event that Basingstoke can be proud of. We love being such an integral part of it.”

Destination Basingstoke’s chief Felicity Edwards said: “The race is very much a partnership between Destination Basingstoke as organisers, our fantastic sponsors as well as all the amazing volunteers involved.

“St Michael’s Hospice are helping in the race village and we have volunteers from Rotary and many of the running clubs helping with marshalling, the race simply can’t happen without them and we are so grateful for their support and love for this race that has become such an important part of the local sporting calendar.”  

Many other local businesses and organisations are involved, with Up & Running bringing a retail unit, Fyffes supplying bananas for runners and Village Leisure, Fitness First and Farleigh Wallop Estates and Rotary Basingstoke Loddon providing water stations around the course.

Anyone wishing to enter can do so online at basingstokehalfmarathon.co.uk until 6pm on Wednesday, September 28, or turn up on the day between 8.30am and 10am – the race starts at 11am.

To ensure the safety of all, the race does mean there will be some road closures in place between 9.30am and 2.30pm to the south of the town, including the A339 to Alton.

A diversion is in place but you are advised to check all the details at destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/half-marathon/road-closures.