I AM appealing on behalf of Heart Research for runners to take part in the Adidas Flora Half Marathons on Sunday March 13 2005.

With the new Liverpool event taking place around the streets of this vibrant city, and the London run taking place at the renowned Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, these promise a great day out, a fantastic opportunity to train for other marathons and a thrilling way to help the charity's life-saving work.

Over the past 37 years we have witnessed considerable breakthroughs in the treatment of heart disease, which have helped save the lives of many sufferers, young and old. Many things that we now take for granted, such as heart valves, angioplasty and, more recently, amazing artificial heart pumps, just would not have been developed when they were, without our help.

With the postal closing date of February 14 fast approaching, potential runners should contact us quickly on 0113 234 7474 for more information or an official entry form.

IF your readers are still looking for a charity to run for in this year's Flora London Marathon on Sunday April 17 2005, it is not too late.

National disability charity Vitalise still has a few Golden Bond places available for those who have not yet secured a place. Charity Golden Bond places are like gold dust now, with only a few left, so this could be your only remaining chance to get a place in this year's race.

We also welcome those who have already got their own place in the marathon to run for Vitalise and help us raise funds to provide essential breaks and holidays for disabled and visually impaired people and their carers in 2005.

If you are interested in running the Flora London Marathon for Vitalise, please contact Larraine Bristow as soon as possible on 0845 345 1972 or e-mail events@vitalise.org.uk

MANY people who had set their hearts on running in this year's London Marathon will have heard before Christmas that they had not been lucky enough to gain a place in the ballot.

There are however still a few guaranteed places available through ourselves and we are actively seeking people prepared to run for us and raise sponsorship money for Leukaemia Care.

In addition to the guaranteed place we provide our runners with lots of support that includes nutritional advice, training schedules, a pre-race reception in London and a post race leg massage to help rejuvenate tired legs.

Full details can be obtained by calling us on 0870 774 4266 or by visiting our special marathon website at www.run4leukaemiacare.org.uk