A RECORD number of runners will be lacing up for this year's Alloa Half Marathon in March.

Known for being one of the fastest courses in Scotland, the major event is attracting people from all corners of the UK and beyond with around seven nationalities already represented in the close to 3,200 crowd.

Some will no doubt be aiming to set personal bests, whilst others may be eyeing up the 64.51 men's course record of Tsegezab Woldemichael or the 73.19 women's best from Sandra Branney for a chance to win £1,000.

Described as the spring board of the year's big races, the Alloa Round Table organised event will take place on March 19 around the Wee County.

Starting at the Leisure Bowl in Alloa, the course will take competitors around town before heading up to Sauchie, Fishcross and towards Tillicoultry past Devon Village.

A sharp left at Tilly will put runners on the fast-track and see them go through the Hillfoots with a turn back towards Tullibody between Alva and Menstrie.

The final push is past Lornshill Academy and Inglewood House before the finish line at the Leisure Bowl.

There are only a few hundred places left in the race and it is expected entries will close by the end of this week.

The Round Table's John O'Malley is the main man behind this year's event, and is organising it for the first time.

He said: “It was a lot to deal with at first, and it's still a lot to deal with even now, but I have a good idea of how it's all going to work now.

“This year, for me, will be my initiation year, but it will teach me a lot for next year.

“I'm young in the Round Table so I've got plenty of time and I'm going to make this the best race I can.”

The half marathon is more than just a big racing event for the Wee County as John and the organisation always raise huge sums of money, which will be donated to good causes and people in need locally.

John added: “It's good to see the numbers continue to grow every year. The Alloa Half Marathon is very much the springboard for the year for a lot of marathon runners.”

But he warned: “It can be a flip of a coin as to how the weather will turn out”, adding that he hopes to develop the race even more in the coming years and wants to offer more for athletes and spectators alike.

This time around, there will be a number of stalls for both groups at the start and finish line as a trial with John adding: “Next year we are going to be pushing to bring things to Greenfield Park, like a bouncy castle or a fun-run for the kids.

“These are all ideas that are in the pipeline, little bit too short notice for this year, but definitely things we are looking to expand on and grow with over the next few years.”

Important, competitors may run with ear- or headphones, but they will not be covered under the race's insurance scheme.