The new Swindon Half Marathon organisers are hoping for a more even gender split at this year’s race.

In 2019, 63 per cent of the 2,000 runners who lined up at the start line were men.

This is a trend that goes against the experience of The Race Organiser, which has taken over the event for 2020 and hosts a series of others around the country.

Race director Richard Parr said: “That statistic is obviously something we’d like to work on. In London that ratio is more equally split.

“There is definitely space to grow, but of course there is no growth without limits.”

Emma Sperring, event director of the weekly parkrun at Lydiard, welcomed the drive to encourage female runners.

She said: “I would say the parkrun is a mix of men and women, and if we can get a similar one for the half marathon than ie would be a big help.

“It’s important that this run is available to everyone regardless or their age, gender or ability.

“There are more and more women out running now and you can see there’s a gradual increase in them taking part.

“That percentage is coming down and it would be great to get more women involved in it.”

In a broader sense, The Race Organiser is pleased to have the Swindon run under its umbrella.

Mr Parr added: “We could see this was something that was fought really hard for.

“There is no reason for it not to continue and it fits in strategically for us.

“We intend to keep it all the same this yer and there’s no reason to change it in the near future.”