THE buzz surrounding the Chippenham Half Marathon is hotting up with around 500 runners already registered to take part in the race.

The event has been resurrected for 2008 after an absence of more than a decade, with locals flocking to participate on September 14.

Ann Slator, secretary for the organising committee, is delighted with how the preparations for the big day are coming along.

She said: "We're up to about 500 entries so far so we're very pleased.

"We are hoping for 1,000 runners and we have a steady flow of entries each week, so we are well on course for our target.

"It is progressing really well - it should be a great day for Chippenham."

The route will be a predominantly flat and fast course with light traffic that will be perfect for achieving a personal best.

The race starts by going through Chippenham town centre and turns off down quiet rural roads passing through the villages of Stanley, The Tythertons, Avon, Kellaways, Langley Burrell and then re-entering the town to finish at Chippenham Sports Club.

Roads will be closed on a rolling programme to allow safe passage for the runners.

The roads closed will be Bristol Road, Park Lane, New Road, High Street, Causeway and London Road.

The course will be policed and marshalled throughout, with drinks stations approximately every three miles.

If you are interested in running in, or sponsoring the race, log onto chippenhamhalfmarathon.co.uk.

The event will raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, while runners will raise money for their own charities.