THOUSANDS of people will lace up their trainers for the Winchester Half Marathon tomorrow.

It is the first event of its kind in the city for more than 30 years and it will take in some of the city's most iconic landmarks and rolling countryside.

The event is a partnership between Marafun UK, the same group behind the ABP Southampton Half Marathon, which took place in April, and the Winchester Sport Art and Leisure Trust (Winchester SALT).

Around 2000 runners will take part.

Event director Chris Rees, the man behind the successful ABP Southampton Half Marathon, said the event has attracted a wide range of entries from runners keen to tackle the challenging route.

Mr Rees said: “We’re delighted to welcome so many runners, marshals, supporters and spectators to Winchester this weekend,’’ said Chris. “We have some amazing roads in the area which will really test the runners but hopefully the stunning scenery will distract them from the hilly sections.

"It’s going to be a great community event and our thanks go to everyone for giving us the opportunity to run a half marathon in the city.”

The 13.1-mile race starts at 10am at the Guildhall and ties in with the Winchester Community Games at Bar End.

From there it will go up the High Street, across Market Street and through The Square and then down Great Minster Street.

It will then go through Symonds Street on to St Swithun Street, up St James Lane and on to Romsey Road and Sarum Road and out of the city.

Runners will then scenic countryside as they turn onto Sparsholt Road, through Standon and down part of the A3090 into Hursley.

The route turns into Port Lane, Old Kennels Lane in Oliver’s Battery, before heading up Oliver’s Battery Road where it will turn right on to Badger Farm Road and through Ridgeway on to Rooks Down Road, Ashbarn Crescent and Ivy Crescent.

The route heads on o St Cross Road and Five Bridges Road past the Itchen Navigation and on to Domum Road and College Walk before ending up back outside the Guildhall.

The race will be opened by Mayor of Winchester Jane Rutter and Winchester University vice chancellor Joy Carter.

Organisers hope to keep any traffic disruption around the city to a minimum but Chris said that motorists should allow extra time for journeys.