THE Winchester Half Marathon is set to return for its fourth year.

On September 22, thousands of runners are expected to lace up their trainers and tackle the 13-mile track.

This year's route is the same as 2018, which gives the 2,000 runners a chance to beat their times from last year.

The hilly course starts in the heart of the city centre, with spectators cheering and clapping on all the runners.

It will then have a change of scenery as the contenders head into the countryside, passing through Hursley and into Oliver’s Battery and Badger’s Farm.

Runners will then pass St Catherine’s Hill and return to the city centre.

Landmarks such as Winchester Cathedral, St Catherine’s Hill, the Guildhall and King Alfred’s Statue will all be visible along the way.

Organisers, Rees Leisure, are looking to continue to their mission to go green and this year and are ensuring the event is the most environmentally friendly half marathon yet.

September 22 is also World Car Free Day, and Winchester City Council have organised a free park and ride service to the city centre.

The buses will run from the south car park via the M3 to St Catherine’s and Barfield car parks, and then to the Broadway, before returning on the same route.

There will be no single use plastic for runners.

Instead there will be DRINQ cartons around the course to hydrate the runners.

These bottles are also 250ml smaller than the single use containers that have been used in the past.

Rees Leisure will also be cutting down on the number of leaflets in the finisher goodie bags and the bags are all made from paper.

The race will be chip timed and every participant will receive a t-shirt, a medal and goody bag.

To sign up to the event, visit: https://winchesterhalf.co.uk/event-info/winchester-half-marathon/.