A THOUSAND runners are due to pound the roads of Herefordshire this Sunday as RUN Hereford takes place.

Once again their will be four routes to suit all abilities of runners including a five-kilometre, 10-kilometre, half marathon and Hereford Marathon, which was launched last year as the county’s first ever single lap marathon.

Starting from Hereford Leisure Centre on Holmer Road the marathon begins at 9am and includes a steep ascent on the outward leg to Weobley before returning to Hereford via the picturesque countryside surrounding Sarnesfield, Yazor and Mansel Lacy.

This year’s Half Marathon route, starting shortly after the 10-kilometre at 10am, has a new-look with the course leaving Hereford towards Burghill and Tillington, returning through Stretton Sugwas and Swainshill.

The five-kilometre event starting at 10.20am is completely off-road and designed for all the family.It is hoped the event, which is sponsored by Western Power Distribution will raise more than £60,000 for Bartestree-based St Michael’s Hospice.

Last year’s Marathon was won by Sage Pearce-Higgins in a time of two hours, 52 minutes. His brother, Alfie, came third, with James Beauchamp between them in second.

It is hoped the event, which is sponsored by Western Power Distribution will raise more than £60,000 for Bartestree-based St Michael’s Hospice.

Among the runners this year will be Darren Gibbons who has set-up a 12 in 12 Runathon group with members taking on at least a dozen Half Marathons with the aim of raising around £5,000 for St Michael’s Hospice.

Twelve members of the group will take part on Sunday, hoping to add to the £3,500 they have already raised. To sponsor the group, visit justgiving.com/companyteams/Runathon12in12

There are a number of prize categories at RUN including the top three men and women in each race, along with Veteran and Youth Awards.

Each winner will be awarded a bespoke hand-carved wooden sculpture made by Ledbury-based Sarah Pinnell Fretwork.

RUN takes place at Hereford Leisure Centre on Holmer Road.

Places for the Half Marathon, 10km and 5km can be booked on the day. Marathon places have already closed.