RUNNERS young and old are invited to take part in a charity half-marathon later this year.

Nationwide Building Society has teamed up with Swindon Council and the Evening Advertiser to host the run on October 17.

And organisers insist participants don't have to be super fit to take part. A 4.3-mile fun run and a two-mile children's event is also planned.

Details are still to be finalised but participants are promised a medal and a t-shirt. Race director Peter Robinson of Swindon Council said it would be a fun day.

He said: "It will be a great family day out and the emphasis is very much on having fun.

"The half-marathon will be a rural, hilly run, taking in Liddington and Wanborough. It will certainly be challenging.

"But we are keen to make the event attractive to everyone, which is why we have included the two shorter runs."

Although proceeds will go to Swindon Cares a local umbrella charity, which makes donations to Age Concern Swindon, NSPCC Swindon, Macmillan Cancer Relief and the GWR Community Trust runners will be able to nominate their own good causes.

Nationwide's Michelle Leighton will be taking part in the 13.3 mile event. Last weekend she completed the gruelling London Marathon, which she is confident will put her in good stead for this event.

The community affairs manager said: "It's nice that Swindon will have a running event this year as a lot of fun runs have disappeared recently."