The countdown to the Sage Reading Half Marathon is now on, and this year organisers are inviting athletes who have previously achieved impressive times to snap up their free elite entry.

Men who have broken 70 minutes and women who have broken 80 minutes in the last two years (January 2017 - 2019) are invited to participate for free.

With around 15,000 runners due to lace up, along with a field of seasoned athletes, Reading is home to one of the UK’s fastest and most-loved half marathons.

Andy Vernon and Charlotte Purdue are the current champions, with race times of 1:03:08 and 1:12:15 respectively.

Ranked as one of the top prize money events in the UK, at least £16,820 will go to UK and Irish athletes with further monetary rewards for fast times of up to £33,000.

The plans for the 2019 race are in full swing and organisers Goldline Events promise a course as impressive as ever.

A momentous finish awaits every runner inside the Madejski Stadium, the home of Reading FC.

To join Britain's best at the start line on the 17th March, visit www.readinghalfmarathon.com for more information. Entries start at £41.50.