THE Farnham Pilgrim Marathon, organised by Farnham Weyside Rotary Club, will return for the ninth time this Sunday (September 9) at The Sands Recreation Ground.

This year, for the first time, it is possible to enter the half marathon as a walker. More than 800 runners regularly take part in the marathon, which starts at 9.30am, or the half marathon, which begins at 10.30am.

Participants will follow a route through the Surrey countryside, reaching a high point at St Martha’s Chapel near Guildford. There will also be a two-and-a-half mile family walk across Puttenham Common to the top of Crooksbury Hill, with all finishers receiving a free wristband.

Launched in 2010, it has been rated as one of the top 10 marathons in the country and is an opportunity to raise funds for charity.

To help on the day email [email protected], or to find out more about the Rotary Club visit farnhamweyside.org.uk. For more information or to enter the marathon, go to farnhampilgrim.org.uk.