IRISH eyes will be smiling when up to 19,000 Reading Half Marathon runners pound the streets on St Patrick's Day.

Organisers have confirmed that the Mizuno-sponsored event, which made its debut in 1983, will again finish at the Madejski Stadium on March 17, with runners aiming to beat both their personal bests and the �235,000 raised in sponsorship this year.

Speaking at last week's launch of the 2013 event, Mizuno UK head of sport, Paul Stevens, said: "It's an important part of Mizuno's strategy to support running events that put the runner first and help get more people running.

"The Reading Half Marathon does that and we are expecting a fantastic day with record numbers taking part."

To book a place contact www.readinghalfmarathon.com or pick up an entry form from the Reading branch of Sweatshop at 44 Station Hill.

*More than 200 runners are expected to take part in the 5k 'I want to run' fund event at 7pm on August 13 at Thames Valley Park, Earley. Register at www.readinghalfmarathon.com