THE popular Farnham Pilgrim Marathon will return for its eighth run on Sunday, September 10, and more runners than ever have registered to take part.

The event consists of the full marathon, a half-marathon and a family walk, and a special attraction is the splendid countryside the course goes through, which many of the runners really appreciate.

It starts and finishes at the Sands Recreation Ground, opposite The Barley Mow pub in The Sands; the marathon at 9.30am and the half-marathon at 10.30am.

All supporters are very welcome and there will be plenty to do at the Recreation Ground.

Particularly popular is the family walk which is about 2.5 miles long and goes to Puttenham Common and then up to Crooksbury Hill and back.

Among the other entertainment provided will be music from the Farnham Brass Band, bacon sandwiches, cakes, tea, coffee and soft drinks. There is also a children’s playground.

An innovation this year is Canicross - runners who own a dog can bring them with them in the half-marathon, provided they meet the meet the conditions set down on the website. Registration for this closes five days before the event.

The event is organised by the Farnham Weyside Rotary Club and is a major source of funding for local charities.

Runners have consistently rated it as one of the top 10 marathons in the country, particularly for the enthusiastic support of families and marshals, but also for the wonderful scenery.

The organisers are grateful to local residents for their understanding and help with this event. It is hoped that there will not be the disruption to the direction signs which has occurred before previous events.

For more information about Farnham Weyside Rotary Club, see the website www.farnhamweyside.org.uk, call the secretary John Cattell on 01252 715048, or alternatively email [email protected].