Entries up on this time ...

... last year. Extra places allotted for this year's race to cater for demand for this most scenic of races in glorious Torbay.

Local paper and sponsor Herald Express article

RUNNERS are already limbering up for the biggest and best Torbay Half Marathon.

This summer Torquay and Paignton will host the 19th half marathon, with 1,750 competitors due to take part.
That's 100 more than the hugely successful event last year, when a new course record was set by Torquay-born Toby Lambert.
David Hyde, race director, said: "Looking at last year's half marathon, we felt we could take 100 more runners without any problems. We want to accommodate as many people as possible.
"The route will be the same along the seafront, although there might be an additional bit of the road closed to improve the event.

"We're talking to the police and council, who've both been very supportive of what we're doing. There's probably not such a scenic race as this in the country.
"This event brings lots of people into Torbay, and we've already got lots of people raising money for all sorts of charities.
"More than £30,000 was raised last year. Rowcroft and Macmillan are the official race charities again this year."
The Torbay Half Marathon's reputation has grown massively in recent years, with internationally renowned runners flying in from around the world to compete.
Event organisers say the event's status means it is now providing a big lift for tourism trade.
Mr Hyde added: "On average, half the runners will stay one night in Torbay, which equals 800 bed nights.
"Ten per cent of runners are new visitors to Torbay, so hopefully they will enjoy themselves and come back. Many already see it as a holiday opportunity.
"At this difficult time anything which puts Torbay on the tourism map has to be good.
"A number of local businesses have come forward and supported us, which we're grateful for."
Last year saw two world-class Kenyons and a Tanzanian go head-to-head with home-grown talent such as Kairn Stone and Toby Lambert.
Mr Hyde said: "I wouldn't be surprised if we get more runners like that this year. Torbay has a good reputation and many runners want to come here, and we certainly want to see the best here.
"It all makes the race the top-quality event it is. There were about 450 runners when we started and it's nearly got four times that now.
"At this time of year people are thinking about getting fitter, and with this race they've got six months to train and get ready. They can get a medal and feel proud of their achievement.
"Last year Toby set a new course record, so it'll be interesting to see if it gets broken again. This year there will be an extra £50 prize money for anyone breaking the record.
"Also, we've made the prize money the same for men and women. There's an additional prize for affiliated athletics club teams and a prize for the best fancy dress costume.
"Another change sees us using chip timing on competitors' shoes rather than in the back of their number. Apparently it's more efficient."
Torbay Half Marathon takes place on June 21, and people can apply to take part by filling in the form below. Visit the official website at www.torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk

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