ORGANISERS are on their marks and ready for today’s official launch of the fourth Oxford Half Marathon.

Now is the time for runners to dust off their trainers to prepare for the 13-mile course, which starts and finishes at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium on Sunday, October 12.

Early entries get £2 off the price, which stands at £30 for the general public and £28 for UK Athletics club members.

And Oxford Mail readers can get another £2 discount until Friday, May 2.

Organisers are urging runners to get their entries in early to secure their place on the course which snakes through the city centre.

Race director Andrew Taylor said: “It is still a relatively new event but it has established itself very well.

“It has established itself as one of the more popular races in the South East. It is a fantastic course in a fantastic city.

“Oxford has lots of different landmarks in it. It is quite wonderful to have an event like this that covers key parts of the city.”

The organisation of this year’s race is being led by Mr Taylor, who has directed the Bath Half Marathon since 2000.

Oxford Mail:

Former race director Dave Box, above, said: “The original team are delighted to have been able to secure the services of Andrew Taylor, using his experience of managing the Bath Half Marathon, to help develop a more consistent and professional level of event delivery and to take the Oxford Half on to the next level, to ensure the long-term future of the race.”

The number of entrants for the half marathon soared to more than 5,000 runners last year.

Oxford City Council’s board member for parks, sport and events Mark Lygo said: “I am looking forward to taking part in the half marathon again.

“I have run this event every year and I’m hoping to improve my time this year.

“There has been a lot of support from council officers to ensure that this event can take place.”

Organisers are due to announce this year’s official charities soon.