YOU may still be trying to catch your breath after this year’s race, but registration is now open for the 2013 Oxford Half Marathon.

In October, 4,200 runners pounded a new route through the Mini factory, into the city centre and beneath the Kassam Stadium.

The route was so popular it will be kept the same for 2013.

Personal trainer Darren Davies showed that anyone could run the 13-mile route by putting his team of total beginners through their paces.

Now, he says, he already has a team of 10 for next year.

“It was fantastic,” said Mr Davies, 42, from Headington.

“Everyone got around in decent times, everyone enjoyed the experience.

“Having a local marathon really gives people focus to say ‘it is on our doorstep, there is no excuse not to run it’.

“Seeing that number of people running was inspiring.”

The Oxford Half Marathon will be in its third year in 2013.

The route takes runners past the Iffley road sports track where he ran the first sub-four-minute mile.

The event’s official charity partner is the Oxford hospice Helen and Douglas House.

In 2011, the race raised £20,000 for the charity. So far the 2012 event has brought in £16,500, with more donations expected.

The headline sponsor next year will again be the Mini Plant.

Erich Thanner, director of human resources at Mini Plant Oxford, said: “It is good to see that in such a short time it has become so popular with runners and is already a fixture in the Oxford calendar.

“The plant is proud to play its part in the half marathon by forming part of the route.”

Another popular feature of this year’s race was en-route entertainment, provided by groups of musicians.

The runners voted the Japanese drumming ensemble Tamashii Taikoas their favourite band.

Applications to play in 2013 will be open shortly.

Race director Andy Heyes said: “We are very excited to launch the Oxford Half Marathon 2013 and to open registration.

“The 2012 race was hailed a great success and we have taken all feedback on board.

“Improvements to some areas, including baggage storage and parking, will be made for 2013, with new systems already put in place.”

Once again the Oxford Mail will be the official media partner for the race.

Registration costs £29 for affiliated runners and £31 for non-affiliated runners, including a medal, goodie bag and a Brooks technical T-shirt for all finishers.

A limited number of 1,500 early bird places is available, offering runners a 10 per cent discount on the entry fee and priority parking on race day.