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).

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 enter 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 to 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.

  • Don’t miss Tuesday’s Daily Echo for a picture special and all the results from tomorrow’s event.