THE future of the newly-relaunched Swindon Half Marathon has been secured for the next three years thanks to Nationwide.

The Swindon-based building society has signed a three-year deal to become the title sponsor of the event which has been revamped this year to offer runners a flatter and faster course.

The exciting announcement is a step in the right direction for organisers who have been overwhelmed by the amount of people signed up to take part with nearly 2,000 taking up the challenge.

The new race, organised by LG Running Ltd & 113 Events, will take place on Sunday, September 3.

Taking in many of Swindon’s best-known landmarks including the County Ground, the BMW plant, the Magic Roundabout as well as Nationwide’s HQ in Pipers Way, the course will suit both those looking for a personal best and those looking for an easier race.

Paul Hibbs, Nationwide’s Director of Advertising and Media, said: “We are delighted to become the title sponsor of the New Swindon Half Marathon, an event that will no doubt be a huge success for the local area.

“As one of the town’s largest employers, this sponsorship really helps cement our role as a supporter of the local community and helps provide a further demonstration of how committed we remain to building society, nationwide.”

Last October, the event had to be cancelled due to a lack of funds but undeterred to see such an iconic race fall by the wayside, a group of runners decided to take on the challenge of making the half marathon a town gathering to be proud of.

Entries are still open for the half marathon and once signed up, brave runners will be fully-equipped with training plans.

Marshals are also needed for the day to help out at the start of the race, run aid stations, and provide support and guidance, such as directing people to car parks and the bus station or pointing people to the massage tent at the finish.

All marshals, who need to be 16 and over, will get an event team shirt, food and drink during the day and will be fully briefed on their duties. They will also get the best seat in the house from which to watch the race.

Graeme Hardie, race director of the New Swindon Half Marathon, said: “The New Swindon Half Marathon is a brand new event for 2017 and we are proud to be working with Nationwide, which has helped secure the future of the race for years to come. The course runs right past the doorstep of their Head Office, so it is the perfect fit for the race.”

Full details about the New Swindon Half Marathon are available at www.newswindonhalf.co.uk