The stage is set for Cheltenham’s fifth half marathon, with new event organisers RunJoy Ltd taking the helm and ready to deliver what is designed to be a fantastic and fun event for runners and spectators alike.

More than 4,000 people have registered to take part in the annual, closed road race around the town, while thousands more will be lining the route to cheer their loved ones on along this 13.1-mile route.

Mayor Klara Sudbury will be in attendance and will have the honour of starting the race which sets off from the town’s iconic Cheltenham Racecourse tomorrow at 9am. Runners will head out towards Prestbury before banking right into the town centre, along the Promenade and Montpellier before lopping around Lansdown and back into town.

A new addition to the route for 2017 will see runners leaving the road for the Honeybourne Line which will bring them out at the Prince of Wales Stadium, ready for their last few miles to the racecourse for a final lap and grandstand finish.

The Race Village at Cheltenham’s Racecourse will be open from 7am tomorrow and organisers are encouraging participants to join them there as early as possible to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the entertainment that has been lined up.

With road closures in place along the route from 7am, event organisers are keen to provide details of areas affected and diversion routes around town. A spokesman for RunJoy said: “The Cheltenham’s Half is a much loved event with runners and spectators across the town. While we are dedicated to delivering the very best event we can for all those taking part and enjoying the day, we also want to make sure we can do all we can to minimise the disruption to other residents and visitors trying to make their way across town.”

While registration for the half marathon has now closed, entries for the Community Mile will be taken on both today and tomorrow at the racecourse. This event is a great one for families, schools and workplaces to come together to take part in an active challenge. To enter, visit the help desk at the racecourse today between 2pm and 4pm, or tomorrow from 7am until 8.30am. Everyone who takes part in the Community Mile will receive a medal.