Thursday, January 17, marks the start of the two month countdown for the Sage Reading Half Marathon, one of the UK's fastest and most loved runs.

Runners across the country will be preparing their bodies for the 13.1 mile race, which returns on Sunday, March 17.

There is still time for anyone wishing to take part to enter (www.readinghalfmarathon.com).

Race organiser Goldline Events wishes all runners well for the next two months of training. Laura Burke, run coach and senior events manager of the half marathon, said: “You’ll be settling into your base training through January and February.

"With March growing closer and closer, mileage will increase along with your ability to be comfortably uncomfortable! You’ll see your confidence rocket, proving to yourself that you can run the distance, your body becoming stronger with each step.”

Organisers provided some top training tips:

  • Keep a diary to track your progress and reward your efforts. The weeks will fly by in readiness for your spring half marathon - enjoy the journey and soak up all you’ve achieved ahead of race day. All eyes on that Madejski Stadium finish line and medal around your neck.
  • Keep your training varied - vary your distances, pace and routes. Well-lit parks, city runs or visits to the athletics track are a great way to push your fitness levels. New surroundings always invigorate training programmes, so soak up the fresh air and sights of Reading.
  • Make your safety a priority - with shorter days and darker nights, a hi-vis jacket or reflective headband ensures you can be clearly seen by motorists and cyclists to avoid accidents.
  • Layer up: running gloves, hat and baselayer are all highly recommended pieces of clothing for your winter training. Seamless garments that reduce irritation and moisture wicking fabrics that breathe to keep you warm and sweat-free are ideal.
  • Join a running club - arrange to meet with a group of runners to make the task in hand much easier to complete. You’ll be sipping that post-run hot chocolate before you know it. Training with others adds accountability and you will encourage each other when you're feeling low on energy and motivation, pushing each other to achieve new speeds and distances.

Six weeks ahead of the London Marathon, the Sage Reading Half is the ideal event to fill that spring race spot, test your legs and practice that marathon pace ahead of the big 26.2 in April.

Spaces are still available.