THE first official sponsor of 2018’s Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon has been announced as the National Self Build & Renovation Centre.

Organised by LG Running, the self-build company got in contact and within 24 hours the sponsorship deal was complete.

Entry fees do not cover a lot of the race preparation costs such as road blocks; it relies heavily on local businesses to help.

The revamped race enjoyed a successful first year and was awarded Bronze at the 2018 Running Awards for best Half Marathon.

The 13.1-mile run will take place on Sunday, September 9 and the new route that was used last year will be the same.

Many of Swindon’s landmarks including the County Ground, the Magic Roundabout, the Oasis and Old Town are included along the course.

The predominately flat and fast course makes it ideal for beginners and features a busy finish line in the town centre.

Harvey Fremlin, managing director at the NSBRC, based at Lydiard Fields, said: “I ran the race with my colleague, Gareth, last year and we were really struck by the support we received as we took on the route and also just how well the event was organised.

“It is no small undertaking to put on such a large race and we believe it is a really valuable event for Swindon.

“The NSBRC is all about helping people build homes and communities that they want to live in and we are very happy to support this brilliant community event.”

Harvey will also be putting on his running trainers again this year to take on the course as well as supporting the event financially.

Graeme Hardie, from LG Running, added: “We are delighted to have the support of the NSBRC team and it is great that they recognise the impact our event has on the community. Runners raised over £70,000 for local charities last year and brought 15 Swindon charities out onto the course to promote themselves.

“The Nationwide New Swindon Half is a race deserving of a town the size of Swindon with such a massive running and fitness community. Advertising in racing has grown as the popularity of the sport has increased in participation numbers by 1300 per cent in 10 years.

“The new flatter layout of the Swindon Half route is both fast for seasoned runners looking for a personal best, as well as welcoming to those looking for an easier introduction to the half marathon distance.”