ORGANISERS have set their sights on the Bridgwater Half Marathon becoming an established event on the running calendar.

The race is now in its fourth year and is being held on Sunday, September 6 in aid of Cancer Research UK and supported by Ramblers Carnival Club.

When the gun fires, the runners will surge away from Morganians rugby and football club in Chedzoy Lane, where the race has both begun and finished for the past three years.

But the route changes every year, and this time around, a new 10K run has been introduced, as well as the existing half marathon and 5K courses.

Race director Gavin Roberts believes that making necessary changes generates more interest, and the introduction of the 10K is a response to public demand.

Mr Roberts said: “We don’t like to make things easy for ourselves by making changes every year, but we brought in the 10K for people who said that they weren’t ready for the half marathon, but the 5K was not challenging enough.

“After the first year, we changed the route so that people didn’t have to run through residential areas as it’s more dangerous.

“Eventually we’d like to move away from country roads and have the course going through the town centre."

“In the first and second years of the event, we moved venues and then in the third year we introduced chip timing.

“Now for the fourth year, we still have chip timing but have the new 10K.”

When the event began in 2011, less than 200 runners took part. This year there are 650 runners across three race platforms and Mr Roberts wants to keep building numbers over the next couple of years.

He said: “It is our hope and dream that the Bridgwater Half Marathon increases the number of entries it receives and establishes itself like the races in some of the bigger towns.

“We already have next year’s date sorted, which is September 4.

“I am very much looking forward to this year’s event – it will be a good day with stalls, massages and food and drink.

“Everyone is invited to take part and you can walk, run, jog and dance the races.”

Jenny Ashworth, director of academic partnerships and marketing at Bridgwater College, the race’s main sponsor, said: “Bridgwater College is delighted to be the principal sponsor of the Bridgwater Half Marathon for the second year running.

“This event is at the centre of our community with many of our staff and students getting involved as well as those from across the local area.

“The Half Marathon raises a considerable amount of money for Cancer Research UK which is close to the hearts of many of us at Bridgwater College.

“We look forward to a fantastic day and wish all those taking part, the very best of luck!”

The half marathon begins at 11am on September 6 with an entry fee of £18.50 or £16, with the 10K starting at 11.15am (£14/£12,) and the 5K setting off at 11.30am.

To enter any of the three races, visit bridgwaterhalfmarathon.co.uk or email contact@bridgwaterhalfmarathon.co.uk Entries can be made on the day from 9am.