OCTOBER 19: A DATE has already been earmarked for next year's Swindon half marathon.

Sunday's event was such a runaway success that organisers are keen to get the ball rolling on the next one.

The total amount of money raised is now being totted up and thoughts are turning to the lessons learned and how the 2005 event can be made even better.

The date of Sunday, October 16, 2005 has already been earmarked.

Around competitors 2,000 took part in Sunday's event and organisers say they want the next one to be even bigger.

Michelle Leighton of Nationwide, the main sponsors, said: "Of course there were a few organisational problems but we're all keen to learn from them.

"For the first event of its kind, I thought things went very well. Everyone had lots of fun."

It was the biggest running event Swindon had seen for 20 years.

Runners sacrificed their Sunday lie-in to get in on the action. As well as the 13-mile run there were also two smaller runs of 4.3 miles and two miles.

Mrs Leighton, a keen athlete, had the perfect vantage point she took part in the half-marathon herself.

"It was extremely well marshalled," she said.

"Not once did I lose my way, which shows what a great job they did. Water was on hand ensuring everyone kept themselves hydrated."

Olympic marathon runner Matt O'Dowd, from Rodbourne, won the event.

Mike Buss, who is aiming to break 100 world records in five years, collected one of them when he donned full nuclear, biological and chemical warfare kit and completed the race.

But the day wasn't just for the town's running elite.

William Williams, 80, showed true grit as he completed the 4.3-mile run in 55 minutes in spite of suffering from prostate cancer.

Mr Williams had travelled to Swindon from his home in Southampton. The pensioner remarked: "I'm receiving treatment and feel fine, but I think it has slowed me down."

The Evening Advertiser teamed up with Swindon Council and Nationwide to organise the event.

All money raised will go to Swindon Cares an umbrella charity that raised money for Age Concern Swindon, the Swindon Cancer Appeal, NSPCC Swindon and the GWR Community Trust.