WITH less than a week to go until the starter’s pistol officially begins this year’s Swindon Half Marathon a Paralympic athlete is urging people to pull on their running shoes and take part.

Wanborough’s Louise Hunt, who has spina bifida and is wheelchair bound, has thrown her backing behind this year’s event which takes place on Sunday and has joined the call for final entries.

This year’s 12th event will mark the first year of the race under new management, with charity SEQOL leading the run forwards. Charity supporters are now being urged not to miss out on taking part, with more than 1,000 people training for the big day.

With all the races open for wheelchair entry as well as runner and carer entry for those with other disabilities, tennis player Louise is urging all abilities to get involved.

Louise said: “I would really encourage people of all ages and abilities to take part in the half marathon, multi-terrain or fun run.

“I used to be a wheelchair racer and have taken part in several mini marathons, so from experience I can say it’s such an awesome and fun event to be involved with.

“One year I competed with my dad and that was really cool, so I’d also encourage runners to bring family and friends along with you. It’s sure to be a great day!”

Michelle Howard, chairman of SEQOL, said: “We have over 1,000 runners taking part in the Swindon Half Marathon event and it’s fantastic that runners of all abilities have registered to take part in all the races.

“Not only do we have wheelchair users taking on the 13.1 mile challenge but also entrants to the five mile multi-terrain using hand bicycles and motorised and manual wheelchair users taking part in the two mile.

“We also have special joint entry prices for people with disabilities who want to run, but would require their carer to run too.

“All the routes can be completed by disabled athletes and runners, although we do recommend that entrants take a look at the route or give us a call if they’ve got any questions about participation.”

Louise took part in the 2012 Paralympic Games, coming in the last 32 in the Women’s Singles.

She is now in training for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio and is also looking for financial support for this.

To find out more about Louise Hunt or to support her journey to the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, visit www.louisehunt.net.

To register for any of the Swindon Half Marathon races – the 13.1 mile half marathon, the five mile multi-terrain or the two-mile fun runplease visit www.swindonhalfmarathon.org.uk.