GK Kia helping half marathon to motor on for the 32nd running

GK Kia are once again backing the event, and sponsoring the lead car, to ensure the half marathon continues to run..

Tom McLaren, GK Kia sales manager, said: “We are proud to be associated with this long established local event and once again lend our support.”

A Harriers spokesperson told the Guardian the sponsorship was a lifeline for the half marathon.

“With ever increasing costs it is only possible to stage such a large scale event with the continued support of local companies such as GK Kia.”

Following the success of last year the races will once again have a Halloween theme.

And with well over 2,000 runners it will be the town’s largest participation sporting event.

There is still time to enter either the half marathon (13.1 miles) or the fun run on the morning of the race at the market place.

The Fun Run will follow a new runner friendly 3km course going around the Portland school grounds.

The half marathon will start at 10:30am on Newgate Street, followed by the fun run at 10:45am.

The course will follow the same route as last year.

Due to police concerns over safety, the following roads will be closed to through traffic: Newgate Street, Park Street from 7am to 3pm, Sparken Hill and the B6034 from the Netherton Road roundabout to Carburton crossroads from 10am to 3pm.

Clumber Park will remain open, with access from the Appley Head entrance on A614 Nottingham Road.