SWINDON Half Marathon has put out an appeal for charities to support this autumn’s event – in exchange for some free race entries.

Organisers are seeking local, registered charities, capable of making lots of noise who – in exchange for the free spaces in the race – will take on a very important duty around the route.

A spokesman for the half marathon said: “Unlike other large-scale races that charge the charities a small fortune for guaranteed entries, what we’re proposing is that we give you a number of completely free slots for runners to use to raise money for your charity and, in return, we ask that you provide what we’re calling – for want of a better description – an ‘atmosphere station'.

“These will be positioned around the course, and you will have some music and general atmosphere-creating paraphernalia.

“Whether that be big hand clappers, fancy dress, steel drums or just a load of really loud people is entirely up to you and you can go as wild as your imagination can take you.

“This gives your charity a great chance to create a bit of exposure and you’re involved in the atmosphere with thousands of the runners themselves, as well as a focus point for spectators.

“The area on the course will be entirely yours and you have the free reign to go as wild as you like with it.

“You’ll need to be a registered charity, create loads of noise with a big presence, and be able to provide and power your own music for the event.

“We’ll be reviewing all the submissions and the main criteria for us will be if they’re a local charity, and how much noise and presence they’re planning on bringing.”

Charities interested in being involved should email graeme@113events.com