IT MAY still only be April but preparations for the biggest running event in Cricklade's sporting calendar are under way.

Cricklade Half Marathon and Fun Run, on October 6, is now in its 18th year.

Managers of the Cricklade Leisure Centre, who help organise the marathon, are raising funds for the restoration and repair of the historic 350-year-old parish hall at St Sampson's.

The half-marathon course is approved by the Athletics Association and follows flat country roads. The shorter 10k course follows the same route for much of the way, and the fun run is just over two miles long.

Entry forms can be obtained from Cricklade Leisure Centre and volunteers are needed. Anyone interested telephone Swindon 750011.

Anyone who can assist for a few hours is asked to contact Sue at Cricklade Leisure Centre on Each race has a separate starting time from the town bridge just off the High Street and finishes at the leisure centre.

Sue Horrobin at the leisure centre said: "It is a really fun event and trophies are presented to the first three male and female finishers in both the half-marathon and ten kilometre races, as well as to the leading veterans and fun runners. There are also spot prizes and medals for all finishers."