ORGANISERS of the town’s first half marathon believe that they can transform anyone from couch potatoes into runners by following their 12-week training programme.

The English Half Marathon will see up to 5,000 runners unite in the challenge on October 4.

Runners will start in Victoria Park and journey to the south of Warrington before returning back to the Latchford park for the finish.

Mike James, race director, said Warrington was selected for the event due to its ideal location of being sandwiched between Manchester and Liverpool.

He said: “We are hoping this will be an annual four-year agreement to link with the Orford Park Project and the Olympic year in 2012.

“We aim to have 10,000 runners by 2012.”

Mike said the 13-mile stretch, which has been in the pipeline for eight months, will be a professional road run with: – Stop clocks – Medals and goody bags for finishers – A New Balance T-shirt and discounts for the brand – Water stops along the route.

Anyone over the age of 17 entering for fun, charity, a club or elite runners can take part.

For the safety of entrants, after three hours a bus will travel the route and collect any runners who feel unable to complete the course.

Affiliated runners can enter for £27 and unaffiliated runners for £29.

Those not feeling as ambitious can take part in a one-mile fun run around Victoria Park on October 3, the day before the half marathon.

Entry is £5 and will be taken on the day. Everyone completing the course will receive a commemorative medal.

The Relationships Centre, St Rocco’s Hospice, The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, The Warrington Wolves Foundation and Openingdoors, a charity assisting vulnerable and homeless people, are the five charities nominated by the organisers.

New Balance European Headquarters, which is based on Centre Park, is the title sponsor for the event.

Warrington Borough Council and the Northwest Regional Development Agency have also given the day the green light.

GB Event Management Ltd in partnership with Interloq sports management will be spearheading the day. Between them they boast a series of road running competition experience across England and Scotland.

Mike is asking any elite runners who can complete the distance in 65 minutes or less, or anyone wanting to volunteer or steward, to call 01228 564567.

To apply online visit english-half.co.uk or call 0870 124 1242.