THE excitement is building for the Sage Reading Half Marathon next weekend, with many local people due to take part in their first-ever race.

However, for some of the runners, this will be just another day at the office and for the lite participants, it is just warm-up for longer events.

It is going to be an interesting year, with a number of male and female elites due to be taking part on Sunday, March 17.

Daniel Studley, currently ranked 2nd in the UK rankings, is a hot favourite to cross the line in good time.

Other elite male runners include; Kieran Clements, Scott Overall, Adam Hickey, Paulos Surafel and John Gilbert.

There are also five elite women's runners, including Steph Twell, who is due to beat her current personal best.

Elanor Whyman-Davis, currently ranked 6th in the UK rankings, is taking part, along with Lauren Deadman, Lizzie Lee and Lucy Reid.

Be sure to snap up your entry, with limited time left to get involved. Visit: readinghalfmarathon.com to sign up.