TODAY This is Wiltshire.co.uk urges its readers to pull on their trainers for a charity half marathon. Our evening newspaper, the Swindon Evening Advertiser, has teamed up with Swindon Council and Nationwide Building Society to host the run on October 17.

Details are still to be finalised but all competitors will receive a medal and a t-shirt.

And it's not just seasoned runners we want to hear from. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part.

As well as the 13-mile event there will also be a 4.3-mile fun run for the less energetic and a two-mile jog for youngsters.

All profits will go to Swindon Cares - a local umbrella charity, supported by Swindon businesses that makes donations to Age Concern Swindon, Macmillan Cancer Relief and the GWR Community Trust.

While race director Peter Robinson of Swindon Council emphasised the fun element he warned the half-marathon, which will take in parts of Liddington and Wanborough, would not be easy.

"We aim to make this an annual community event," he said.

"We have three runs so hopefully people will find one that will suit them.

"People should run to their own level, those who are not used to running long distances should attempt the fun run first and perhaps try the half marathon next year.

"The half marathon will be hilly and challenging."

The two shorter courses will be staged at Coate Water.

Nationwide's Michelle Leighton, who ran in the London Marathon earlier this month, will be among those on the organising team who are taking part.

To register CLICK HERE