THE annual Clarendon Marathon will set off from Salisbury across Hampshire on Sunday, October 2.

About 1,000 runners will take part finishing in Winchester.

For some this will be their first race but for many they will be repeating this annual pilgrimage which is now fixed in their running calendar.

The trail is 90 per cent off-road and takes runners along the ancient Clarendon Way through the Wiltshire and Hampshire countryside.

In addition to those who are intending to run non-stop for the full 26 miles there will be some walkers and slow runners who will be taking the opportunity to opt for the earlier start to give them extra time.

At midday a second batch of runners will set off from the half-way point at Broughton to join the trail and run a half marathon.

There is also a third group who will join at Farley Mount Country Park and run the last five miles.

Being a point to point event, all the participants can finish the event with a real sense of achievement most having run between the ancient Cathedral cities of Salisbury and Winchester.

organisers say this is much more satisfying than the normal circular event where runners cover 26 miles and end up where they started.

The event is organised by the Rotary Clubs of Winchester and Salisbury who are all volunteers and all the money raised is for good causes. Rotary also lay on numerous marshals and water stations along the route and a full bus service to help runners complete their journey.

Online entries close on Tuesday, September 20. On the day entries are still possible with an extra donation of £10 for Rotary charities will be requested.

www.clarendon-marathon.co.uk.