IT’S time to dust off your running shoes and get training because entry for the Taunton Marathon is now open.

Hundreds of runners across Somerset will be on the roads on Sunday, April 6, to tackle ethe 26.2-mile course or the half-marathon.

Race director John Lewis said: “Running’s as popular as ever, and on the day we’ll see competitors from a whole variety of athletic clubs across the region, many of whom we view as ‘regulars’.

“But it’s not just about the clubs and competitiveness – there’ll be hundreds of local people raising money for a myriad of good causes and to keep fit.”

The races start at Somerset College, and pass through Norton Fitzwarren, Oake, Bradford- on-Tone, Rumwell and Bishop’s Hull.

So far, more than 600 runners have signed up for the event, sponsored by Ashfords Solicitors and Ironbridge Runner.

Runners can enter online or download a form from the event website at www.tauntonmarathon.co.uk

Around the town, entry forms are available at Tony Pryce Sports, Blackbrook Pavilion, Wellsprings Centre and the Tourist Information Centre.

This year, the event is supporting the charities chosen by Somerset County Council chairman David Fothergill for his term of office – the National Autistic Society and the Somerset Trust for Arts & Recreation.

One pound from every entry fee will be handed over to Cllr Fothergill.

For those not old enough for the main events or just needing a fitness jog, there is the fun run around the college grounds.

Two courses are on offer – 1,400m on hard ground and 2km including a section on grass.

Entries can be made on the same form as the longer distances (but not online) and will be taken on race day morning at Somerset College.