THE future of the Swindon Half Marathon is assured after the British Heart Foundation stepped in to sponsor the event.

From next year the heart charity will add the popular event to the existing 17 half marathons and six marathons across the country that it sponsors.

The future of the event had been in danger after the current sponsor, Nationwide, announced that it was pulling the plug on its funding for the event.

The company has been the event’s headline sponsor for nine years, but indicated last year that it planned to withdraw its support and put the cash towards other community initiatives in the town.

There were fears that Swindon Council would have to cancel this year’s event due to the difficulty of finding another sponsor at such short notice, but the Swindon-based company stepped back in for one year.

The BHF will now be responsible for organising, planning, funding and promoting the half marathon – which incorporates three routes.

And Swindon Council will provide support and volunteers on the day.

Coun Keith Williams, the cabinet member for leisure and strategic transport, said: “I am thrilled we have managed to secure the future of the Swindon Half Marathon and that an organisation as experienced as the BHF is taking the event on.

“I would like to thank Nationwide for supporting the Half Marathon over the years and I’m sure the BHF will ensure the race continues to go from strength to strength.”

BHF event organiser Jemma Curran said: “We’re looking forward to adding the Swindon Half Marathon to our portfolio of fundraising events.

“We have extensive knowledge and expertise in this area and are excited about finalising plans for next year.

“We’re confident that we can work with the council to build-on the success of the event and raise much needed funds to help us continue our life-saving and life-changing work.”

This year’s half marathon and associated five-mile multi terrain and two-mile fun run will take place on October 14.

More than 1,700 runners have registered for the 13.1-mile race but there is still time to get entries in for all three races.

Entries for the multi-terrain and two-mile fun run can be made on the day and entries for the half marathon close at midnight on Wednesday as does online entry to the event.

Anyone wishing to take part in the Swindon Half Marathon should call on 01793 465401 or visit www.swindon halfmarathon.co.uk.