More than 1,000 runners are to take part in the Basingstoke half marathon and 10k event.

The 2024 Phillips Law Half Marathon and 10k will take place on Sunday, October 6, with the start and finish in the event Race Village in War Memorial Park near the Crossborough Hill car park.

The event, now in its 15th year, had its highest number of entrants in 2023 since 2019, and this year even more people are signed up for a piece of the action with the number of registered runners topping 1,250.

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Headline sponsor Phillips Law had 50-plus runners taking part in the 2023 event (Image: Destination Basingstoke) The half marathon, which is Racecheck gold rated and offers runners amazing views as they head into the borough countryside, has become a popular race with entrants who want to take on a challenging and picturesque course.

Destination Basingstoke – the not-for-profit company that showcases and celebrates the wonderful people, businesses and community organisations in Basingstoke and Deane through events and other activities – is looking forward to building on the success of last year’s event.

Jonathan Pender, chair of Destination Basingstoke, said: "We are delighted that the number of registered runners for 2024 shows a big increase on 2023 and – thanks to the increased sponsorship support of headline sponsor Phillips Law – we are once again thrilled to add two free-to-enter children’s races for five-10 and 11-15 year olds.

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"The Race Village will be inclusive and family-friendly, and we hope lots of people will come along to support the runners and enjoy the atmosphere.

"We are particularly grateful to headline sponsor Phillips Law and all the other event sponsors and partners, the many wonderful marshals and other volunteers and supporters, and great local suppliers who support the event. We could not do it without you.”

Jack Gardener, senior partner at headline sponsor Phillips Law, said: "Phillips Law is delighted to once again enter a strong team at the 2024 event, and we are proud and delighted to continue as headline sponsor for the half marathon, 10k and children’s races."

This year, Phillips Law is focusing its fundraising efforts on boosting the coffers of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) service, which is its 2024 charity of the year.