A TOTAL of 1,300 runners are signed up for Sunday’s Taunton Marathon and Half Marathon.

Although local clubs Taunton Athletic Club, Running Forever and Taunton Running Club are well-represented, two-thirds of the total field come from outside the area.

Race director John Lewis said: "Since 1983 we’ve been lucky enough to have the Bridgwater and Taunton College campus in Wellington Road as race HQ.

"We couldn’t do this without their help and fantastic facilities as well as support from businesses and other organisations.

"We’re once again very happy to have Ashfords Solicitors as headline sponsors, and to welcome Nuffield Health back as part of the team this year.

"Tesco is providing the 5,600 bottles of water the runners will consume and Wellington Motors the race lead vehicles.”

The event holds a gold grade from the British Association of Road Races.

CHARITIES.

Taunton Carnival Committee organises Taunton Marathon and Half Marathon to raise funds for local charities and to help put on the illuminated procession in October.

Chairman Marilyn House said: "The race nominated charity this year is the Alzheimers Society, which will receive a donation from every entry fee.

"On top of this we know runners will raise many thousands of pounds for a lot of other worthy causes.”

THE COURSE.

The course sees two major changes this year to take runners away from the busy A38.

The races start from the college in Wellington Road at 10.30am, travelling through the town centre via Castle Street and the Third Way Bridge, out to Norton Fitwarren and along the B3227 to Hillcommon.

Then it’s across country through Oake and Bradford-on-Tone, up through Hele, Fideoak and Upcott into Bishop's Hull, down over Netherclay, into Heron Drive and then a sprint through the college grounds to the finish line for the 1,100 half marathon runners.

But the 200 or so marathon runners will set out on their second lap.

There are many vantage points around the circuit where spectators can cheer them on their way.

As well as the bottled water, the runners will use over 5,000 sponges from eight stations around the route manned by scouts, army cadets and majorettes.

Runner all receive T-shirts, medals and a banana to boost their recovery.

There will plenty of marshals to make sure everyone follows the new route and help them all safely through the traffic.

St John Ambulance provides medical backup in case anyone is injured or taken ill.

TAUNTON FUN RUNS.

Taunton Fun Runs will go off just after the main event.

Runners can choose either the 1.4km over hard ground or the 2km version using the playing field perimeter, both entirely within the college campus.

Entries for this are still open and will be taken on the day right up to the overall limit of 200.

ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS.

Although the organisers plan to keep disruption to a minimum there will be some traffic congestion and delays.

Keeping competitors and motorists safe is most important and with 1,400 entries there will be some hold ups, especially as the pack heads through the town centre on the first lap.

Traffic will be stopped in Wellington Road in both directions for about 10 minutes from 10.25am to allow the runners to leave the off-road start line.

As the pack passes along Castle Street, Tangier Way, Wood Street and Bridge Street, vehicles will be held at the various junctions.

Once out towards Staplegrove runners will begin to spread out and traffic will be able to pass with care.