ANYONE thinking about getting on their running shoes for the Taunton Marathon and Half Marathon has until Saturday to get their entry into organisers.

Over 1,450 runners have already signed up for the marathon on Sunday April 2, making it the biggest since the mid-1980's.

Around 240, including 50 ladies, will take on the two-lap 26-mile Marathon course with over 1,200 are entered for the 13-mile Half Marathon.

This includes a team of six from the County Gazette, including Editor-in-Chief Ken Bird and Chief Reporter Phil Hill, raising money for Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment.

The South West Inter County Challenge over the Half Marathon will see keen competition and hopefully very quick times from both men's and ladies teams.

Last year's local hero Martin Pearse will defend his Marathon title against some stiff opposition.

John Kimber, the only person to have run in all the Taunton Marathons, will make this his 300th appearance over the distance.

The nominated charity this year is Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The Hermes Taunton Fun Run taking place at the same time is very nearly full, with 200 of the 250 available spaces already snapped up.

For the first time ever organisers think they will reach the limit before race day.

Last minute forms can be found at Running Forever, Hermes Health & Fitness Studio, Tony Pryce, Blackbrook Pavilion, Wellsprings Centre, Wellington Sports Centre, Castle Sports Centre, TIC's in Taunton and Wellington or the County Gazette office in St James Street.

They have to be posted to PO Box 621, Taunton TA1 2WG to arrive on Saturday.