Seasoned athletes and nervous debutants from across the UK and beyond will be heading to Plymouth this weekend for Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, a series of events that have captured the interest and imagination of thousands of runners.

On Sunday 17 May, a record number of approximately ten thousand people will line up on the famous Hoe to take on the Plymouth Half Marathon, 10k or Schools Challenge.

The iconic Plymouth Half Marathon, which was first staged in 1982, will take centre stage, with almost five thousand entrants. Demand has been such that entries were closed well before the official closing date with capacity reached.

Whilst the half marathon retains its strong regional following, organisers have revealed that entrants from as far afield as Norway, Morocco, Scotland and residents of several cities across the North of England.

Suzi Cumberland, Managing Director of organisers Taurus Events, said, “We have been thrilled to see demand for the half marathon surge to new levels and the influx of runners and their families will provide such a boost to the city and the regional economy. We are determined to stage a world class event that is a credit to the city of Plymouth.”

Once the half marathon runners have crossed the start line, the spotlight will be on the near two thousand 10k runners, many of whom will be taking part in their first organised event.

Both the 10k and the half marathon feature the popular Team Challenge event, sponsored by Steve Hoskin Construction, where teams of four are set to battle it out for local bragging rights and a donation to their chosen charities.

And to complete the spectacle, later in the day the Primary Schools Challenge will see a record three thousand children cross the all-important finish line to complete their ten week activity programme.

Sunday will be vital day for a host of charities too, with thousands of people taking part to raise vital funds for their chosen causes. One of the key charities who will benefit are Jeremiah’s Journey, who will have dozens of people taking part for them in both the 10k and half marathon.

Road closures are in place across the city on Sunday as running takes centre stage, with the action scheduled to commence at 09.15am.

Spectators are encouraged to line the route and cheer on athletes as they seek to achieve their personal goals.