Runners are encouraged to put their best foot forward for this year’s Macclesfield Half Marathon – which takes place for the 14th time on Sunday.

The 13-mile run, along with a shorter five-kilometre course and fun run, will take place on Sunday, September 27, and is organised entirely by volunteers from the Macclesfield Harriers.

And for the first time, the run will include pace runners for those aiming to cover the distance in under 1h30, 1h40, 1h50 and 2hrs.

Carl Hanaghan, race organiser, said: “There’s only a few days left until the start of the 14th Macclesfield Half Marathon.

“If you haven’t entered yet, you can do so on the day from 8:45 am at Macclesfield Leisure Centre.

“It’s a fantastic race with a great atmosphere, created by the enthusiasm of the participants, army of volunteers and the availability of guilt-free cake!”

Beginning at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, the Half Marathon weaves through four miles of urban road and then off into the beautiful Cheshire countryside.

All half marathon finishers will receive a goody bag with a fabulous Macc Half tec t-shirt and 5K finishers will have a bit of bling to wear around their neck.

The 5k will kick off at 10.15am and follows the first part of the route of the half marathon. The Fun Run will start on the track straight after. The fun run course will be about 1,200m and will be restricted to the grounds of the athletics track.

Also benefiting from the event is the East Cheshire Hospice, which has so far benefitted from nearly £67,000 raised at the event.

Carl, 34, added: “Once again we are delighted to support East Cheshire Hospice will all the race profits.

“We would like to thank our main sponsors Simon Carves and Robert Crossley Solicitors and JJ Cookson, the main sponsor for the 5K.”

Register for the Macclesfield Half Marathon.

Entry costs £27 for the Half Marathon, £12 for the 5k and £3 for the Fun Run.

The event has its own dedicated Facebook page - facebook.com/MaccHalf, which features answers to common questions from potential participants, training tips for hot weather and pictures of scenic parts of the route.

For more about the hospice go to eastcheshirehospice.org.uk