TWO thousand runners will take to New Forest Roads tomorrow in two simultaneous races that will test them to the limit.
As they line up on the start line in New Milton the runners will have behind them many hours and many miles of dedicated training. Over many months and in all weathers, in sunshine and darkness, alone and in club training sessions, they will have pounded pavements, roads and country tracks to build up the fitness needed to complete the 13 or 26-mile courses.
Now in their 22nd year, the races bring to the New Forest a major sporting event, which not only challenges the runners, but also raises some £60,000 for charity. The reputation of the New Forest Marathon and Half Marathon stands high. Every year the half marathon entries have to be closed by mid-July at 2,000 entrants. The marathon challenge is taken up by some 600.
The half marathon starts in Station Road, New Milton at 11am and the marathon half an hour later. Both races will be started by actress Maria Rice-Munday, a long-standing friend of the marathon. Bournemouth-based Samba Band, Pannelinha de Samba will also be playing and there will be a charity fete at New Milton Recreation Ground in the morning.
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