ENTRIES for the 23rd Stroud Half Marathon, sponsored by Griffiths Marshall Accountants, are almost at the race limit.

No entries will be taken after Friday (October 15), so those still wishing to enter must send their details to Stroud and District Athletic Club, PO Box 108, Stroud, Glos, GL5 5YT, within the next 24 hours.

Entry fees are £10 for club athletes, £11 for unattached. Cheques should be made payable to Stroud and District Athletic Club - please send an SAE.

The race on Sunday, October 24, has attracted more elite athletes including Great Britain international Andrea Green of Shaftesbury, winner of the Stroud race in 2001 and second last year, could well be the favourite for this year's event.

Mike Feighan of Exeter Harriers and John McFarland of Thames Hare and Hounds are other athletes who should finish in the top ten of the men's race.

With 13 miles of roads to marshal, three drinks stations to be manned and many other jobs to be fulfiled at the start and finish areas, the organisers, Stroud and District Athletic Club, are looking for extra helpers.

Ex-club members or any other people interested in helping at this major event should contact Chris Bourne on 01453 824491 or any other club member, giving their name and contact number, or report to the assembly area at Marling School from 8am onwards on race day.