THE Severn Bridge Half Marathon has now received over 1,000 entries. The event will take place on Sunday 28th August, and is the third year the race has been staged.

Last year the event was full with 2,800 registered competitors, and race organisers Paul Dodd and Andy Creber are anticipating it will be full again this year. Entries have come in at a sprint in the last two weeks, and the trend looks set to continue up until mid-August when entries will close. Those considering taking part are advised to enter soon to avoid disappointment.

The race was voted Best New Race in 2014 by readers of Runner’s World.

The route will suit both first timers and experienced club runners. It gives runners an opportunity to run between two countries, between sea and sky, and run on a closed motorway across the iconic Severn Bridge. There will be a free technical t-shirt, a specially commissioned medal and goody bag for all finishers.

The event starts on the western (Chepstow) end of the Severn Bridge on the motorway itself, and after the crossing takes the B4661 towards Thornbury. The route then follows a five-mile loop along scenic and pleasantly undulating country lanes from Elberton, through Littleton upon Severn and Kington, before arriving back on the B4661 to return to the bridge.

The event will have chip timing, an atmospheric event village, a well-marked and marshalled route, refreshments and catering outlets at the finish, three drinks stations on the route, changing and baggage facilities, and ample toilet facilities.

There will be cash prizes for the first five men and women and age category prizes provided by sponsor Up and Running. Basepoint are sponsoring the event for the second year running, and the event’s charity partners are St David’s Hospice Care and Winston’s Wish, the charity for bereaved children. Organisers actively encourage runners to choose one of these, or their own charity to race for. The cost to enter is £32 for affiliated runners, and £34 for un-affiliated runners. Runners can enter online at www.severnbridgehalfmarathon.com