THE 25th Stroud Half Marathon - on Sunday, October 22, at 10am - will accept entries until Sunday October 15, but only via the internet at www.activeeurope.com.

Information on the race can be found at www.stroudathleticclub.org.uk or on 0870 4286102.

Entries for the race are just under the 2,000 mark and the organisers at Stroud Athletic Club have room for around another 300 runners on the day. Extended entries are on a first come, first served basis as the race entry limit is 2,500.

This year's race sees a revised, improved route, along with a junior race for 11 to 16-year-olds, whilst the half marathon is taking place. The Junior Silver Mile is sponsored by Stroud Town Council, with prizes for the first three male and female runners in each age group, as well as first teams. Entry forms are in all local secondary schools, pre-entry costing £2.50, entry on the day will be £1 extra. Ring 01453 762626 for more information on the junior race.

The half marathon itself has the usual mix of elite athletes, club runners and charity/fun runners tackling the popular 13.1 mile course.

Many runners will be sponsored to raise funds for local charities, the official race charity being the Spring Centre, based in Quedgeley. The centre provides care and support to disabled and special needs children and their families.

As in previous years, nearly 100 walkers supporting the Williams Syndrome Charity will be walking the course, leaving Stroud at 9am, one hour before the main race commences.

Stroud AC will be hopeful of another good team performance from their men, with more youngsters turning 17 this year capable of running sub one hour 20 minutes. Severn AC will be defending the ladies' team title with a strong team entered this year.

Details of runners entered will be published in next week's newspapers, but so far it is known that at least three African international runners have put in last-minute entries.

The race will start and finish at Marling sports field for the first time this year, with supporters and families able to watch the junior race whilst runners are out on the half marathon course.