RUNNERS will be piling on the miles on Sunday, October 29, as they take part in the Andover half marathon – raising money for a charity close to the organiser’s heart.

The half marathon, organised by Andover Trail Events, will start and finish on the high street, taking runners through the picturesque villages to the south of the town.

The event will raise money for Maggie’s in Southampton, a charity that provides free cancer support and information for people living in the south of England, with £5 from every entry being donated to Maggie’s.

Mark O’Meara, owner of Andover Trail Events, chose the charity due to his own battle with cancer, saying that the organisation was “fantastic”.

Andover Advertiser: Mark O'Meara Mark O'Meara (Image: Andover Trails)

The event will also raise awareness for the Enham Trust that supports disabled people to live, work and enjoy life.

The half-marathon will start at 8am on the high street, then sending runners through the likes of Upper Clatford, Goodworth Clatford, Longstock and Leckford, before passing by Farleigh School and into Anna Fields, finishing back in the town centre.

Mark said: “A lot of villages are coming out to cheer people on, so hopefully it will be a great event.”

Marshals and checkpoints will be set out along the route to ensure runners have a trouble-free event.

Entry to the race is £35. To enter go to and-overtrailevents.com.

To donate to Maggie’s, Mark has sent up a JustGiving page at justgiving.com/page/mark-omeara-1697106896213.