AUGUST 13: INTEREST in the Swindon Half Marathon is spreading beyond the county. The 13-mile run, hosted by the Evening Advertiser, Swindon Council and Nationwide Building Society, takes place on Sunday, October 17.

There will also be a 4.3-mile fun run and a two-mile jog for youngsters.

Michelle Leighton, of sponsors Nationwide, said: "So far there have been about 500 applications, and entries for the other two races are starting to increase as well now. So everything is going really well.

"Since the race was advertised in Runners' World magazine we've started to attract runners from outside the area, from places such as Coventry, Leicester and London. This is really very encouraging.

"And there's still plenty of time for people to get their entries in and get fit enough to do the run."

The event, which has not been held since 1998, will raise funds for Age Concern Swindon, Mac-millan Cancer Relief, NSPCC and the GWR Community Trust.

The run, which as well as Swin-don takes in part of Liddington and Wanborough, is expected to be the biggest in the town for 20 years.

Participants will each receive a medal and T-shirt.

For an application form call 01793 464751 or visit www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk

The closing date is October 4 and applications will not be taken on the day. The cost is: half marathon £12 or £11 for running club members; 4.3 mile fun run £5; two-mile fun run £3.

A 50p reduction is available on production of a Swindon Card.

Editor