RUNNERS are being urged to register for the Swindon Half-Marathon and can now raise money for local charities as well as sponsors the British Heart Foundation.

The popular annual event, in its tenth year, takes place on October 13 this year after being taken over by the heart health charity from former organisers Swindon Council.

There were fears charities could lose out on vital cash raised from the event, which attracts more than 1,500 runners for the half marathon alone, after the Adver reported a spokesman last year said donations would only go towards the BHF.

But the organisation has conceded that participants can run in aid of other charities, although they would encourage people to consider making the BHF a beneficiary too as the entry fees only cover the costs of putting the event on.

Hannah Carling, events organiser for the BHF, told BBC Wiltshire last year: “As it will be the BHF event we do ask the runners to raise as much as they can for us, it will be just for the BHF. This is another great opportunity to have another half marathon solely for the BHF, and to solely raise money for us.”

The charity has since moved to clarify the position and in a frequently asked question section on the event website said: “The BHF would like to encourage runners to raise sponsorship in aid of the BHF but we do understand that this is a long established event where runners have raised money for many other local charities. If you do choose another charity we hope you will still consider including the BHF in your fundraising.”

The start of each of the races, including the 13.1-mile half marathon, the five-mile multi-terrain and 2km fun run, will be at Pipers Way, near Nationwide, with the main race setting off at 10.30am.

The British Heart Foundation is dedicated to research aimed at ending the suffering caused by heart disease. Visit www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk or www.bhf.org.uk/ get-involved/events/runs/half-marathons/swindon-half-marathon.aspx