THOUSANDS of runners will be tearing round Reading in the town's half marathon next weekend.

Racers will meet at Green Park ahead of the 10.15 start on Sunday, March 19.

Their 13 mile route will take them past town centre landmarks and thousands of passionate supporters.

Some 15,5000 runners will run in the Vitality Reading Half Marathon whilst others take on the 3km Green Park Challenge.

Paul Gittings, lead member for sport, said: “The Reading half marathon is always one of the sporting highlights of the calendar.

"There is always a great atmosphere amongst the runners and spectators and I hope as many people as possible turn out on the day and cheer on the runners.

"The event brings with it a great many benefits to the town but as always we ask local residents to check their journey plans for Sunday March 19 and to allow some extra time to travel."

A series of rolling road closures will tun from 7am to 3pm on the day and are available here.

Routes through the town centre will remain open throughout the event.

Access to hospitals will remain open as well.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital can be accessed from London Road.

The Berkshire Independent Hospital can be accessed from Bath Road/Berkeley Avenue.

Dunedin Hospital can be approached along IDR, Castle Hill, and Bath Road access lane. The Circle Hospital can be accessed via Basingstoke Road and Manor Farm Road.