MORE than 1,800 runners will take part in the 25th Stroud Half Marathon, setting off from the Marling School sports field at 10am this Sunday.

Stroud Athletic Club, the organisers, have revised the race route by dropping out the tortuous loop of Park Estate in Stonehouse, replacing it with a loop of the quiet Oldends Lane Industrial Estate.

This means that the race now starts just before the Cainscross roundabout and finishes in the usual position by Marling School.

A junior one mile race will be held for the first time, along Cainscross Road and back, turning at the Homebase junction. This race is open to 11 to 16-year-olds and will cost £3.50 to enter on the day.

Thanks to sponsorship from Stroud Town Council, trophies will be awarded to age-group winners and first teams. For details of the race call 01453 762626.

The half marathon itself is again sponsored by Griffiths Marshall, Chartered Accountants of Gloucester, and supported by Zeta Printing, The Water Warehouse, Wycliffe Motor Co, James and Owen Stationers and Bourne Sports.

Helpers are needed on the day, mainly to help marshal the runners on the course and to assist on drink stations. For more information call 01453 885393 (marshalling) or 01453 834040 (drink stations).

The race entry is made up of the usual mix of internationals, club runners and charity/fun runners, many of whom will be raising funds for the race charity, The Spring Centre. This local charity, based at Quedgeley, provides care and support for disabled and special needs children and their families. Thousands of pounds are raised each year by runners for this, and other charities.

Several elite African runners are going for the prize money this year, with the favourite on recent form being Simon Tonui, second in the Bath half marathon and capable of running 62 minutes. He will be pushed all the way by Williard Chinchanhu of Poole Runners and Kenyan international Eric Kiplagat, both 63 minute runners.

The second group of runners is likely to include Mike Burrett of Leeds, Gary Harris of Headington, Mike Smith of Bourton and Stroud's star youngster Tom Russell, all capable of sub 70 minutes on a good day.

Russell will be spearheading Stroud's bid to retain the team trophy, ahead of a strong Cheltenham team, along with younger brother Ander Russell, Lee Rankin and another youngster on his half marathon debut, 17-year-old Ed Womersley from Minchinhampton.

Stroud stalwart veteran Lee Christmas is likely to be snapping at their heels to force his way into the team.

The veteran prize is likely to be between David Todd of Bath AC, Dave Randall of Cheltenham and Barry Pemberton, whilst the veterans' team award could well see Stroud battling for first or second.

The ladies' race should be fairly comfortable for Caroline Cheptanui, capable of sub 72 minutes, with a following group made up of Kay Mansbridge of Winchester, Helen Purdy of Cheltenham Harriers, Nikki Slater of Witney Road Runners and ex-England international, now V40, Melanie Ellis of Shaftesbury Barnett.

Cheltenham Harriers have entered a strong ladies' team, creating an interesting tussle with defending holders Severn AC for the ladies team prize.

Local runners to look out for include Stroud's trio of youngsters Tom and Ander Russell and Ed Womersley, 19-year-old Chris Illman of Cirencester AC and 20-year-old Garry Hughes of Dursley AC, with Cheltenham Harrier Jo Brewer likely to finish well up in the ladies' race.

The race leaves Cainscross at 10am, with the leaders passing through Stonehouse around 10.10am, Standish 10.20am, Whitminster 10.30m, Stonehouse Court Hotel 10.45am and Horsetrough Roundabout 10.50am, finishing just after 11am at Marling School.

The alteration to the start position means that the Marling field is now an even better place to enjoy the race as a spectator, especially with the addition of the Junior Silver Mile Race, and Stroud AC welcome locals who may wish to watch this important event in Stroud's year.

Runners are advised to arrive early for the race, as car parks will fill quickly and on-street parking is restricted to the start area.