WHEN they started it five years ago, the handful of organisers of the first Colchester Half Marathon could hardly have dreamed how big an event it would become.

Final preparations are now in hand for this year’s race, on Sunday March 29 – the day the clocks go forward. Some 3,300 runners are entered and an army of 200- plus volunteers is standing by to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Matt Eaton, chairman of Colchester Colne Round Table, which, again, is organising the half marathon, said: “Our first race was for 1,000 runners. When we first set up, everybody said we would only get about 300, but it was oversubscribed and has been every year since.

“Last year, we went to up 2,500 runners and became the fastest-growing road race in the country. This year we have gone from 2,500 to 3,300 and yet we still sold out in record time, by February.

“Judging by the number of emails we have had from people asking to enter the race, we could have had at least another 1,500.”

Under the terms of the race licence the four-strong organising committee could have accepted 4,000 runners, but settled on 3,300 because it wanted to hold on to the event’s reputation for excellent organisation.

Mr Eaton said: “Having a small team that works very hard has been one of the keys to our success, because we listen to runners’ feedback and constructive criticism.”

The runners will set out from the Weston Homes Community Stadium, to the north of Colchester, at 9am and head along Boxted Road, Mile End Road and up North Station Road towards the town centre.

The route then takes the field up North Hill, into the High Street, down East Hill and up Ipswich Road. The second half of the route cuts through Severalls Business Park and into Boxted and Langham, wending its way back to the stadium.

All finishers will get a speciallyminted pure bronzemedal, featuring a new design which will not be unveiled until just before the race.

Prizes and trophies will also be awarded to fastest finishers.

This year’s chosen charity is Headway Essex and its supporters are being encouraged to run dressed as superheroes, though runners are also free to get sponsorship for a charity of their choice – the event raises about £500,000 for local charities every year.

This year’s race has been sponsored by Scrutton Bland accountants, Goody Burrett solicitors and Essex University.

Marshals are still needed to help on race day.

For more information, visit colchesterhalfmarathon.co.uk

'Business boost'

BUSINESSES say they reap many benefits from each year’s Colchester Half Marathon.

With runners travelling from further afield each year, hotels, and tourist attractions all expect to enjoy a boost.

Organiser Matt Eaton said gyms and personal trainers were also busier, with people getting into shape for the event.

Ashley Walker, general manager at the Holiday Inn Express hotel, in Birchwood Road, Colchester, said there had been a rush of bookings had increased for the night before the race.

He added: “I can’t tell you if they are runners or not, but I would assume so. It benefits us and the community.

"Once they have finished the race, they will wearily walk into town, have food, get a drink and see the sights. It benefits everyone.”

Fred Veasey, landlord of the Bricklayers pub, in Bergholt Road, Mile End, agreed: “It makes us much busier.

“Last year, families came in for lunch afterwards and of course, people might want to take on a few fluids after the race!”

Monday's Gazette will include four pages of coverage from the event.