THE Ely Standard has teamed up with the Ely Runners for the 2009 Ely Standard Grunty Fen Half-Marathon and we are urging all aspiring athletes, track starlets or even those who are just looking for a challenge to sign up. The Standard will be sponsoring t

THE Ely Standard has teamed up with the Ely Runners for the 2009 Ely Standard Grunty Fen Half-Marathon and we are urging all aspiring athletes, track starlets or even those who are just looking for a challenge to sign up.

The Standard will be sponsoring this year's race and we are keen to get the people of East Cambridgeshire and beyond trained and ready in time for the starter's horn on Sunday, September 13.

The race itself, a 13-mile circuit across flat Fenland roads and footpaths, will start at 10.30am from Witchford Village College with everybody aged 17 and over eligible to sign up.

All runners who finishes the race, which is due to be started by the mayor of Ely, Richard Hobbs, will receive a commemorative gold-style medal with cash prizes for the top three male and female finishers with the first male and female home set to receive the classic Grunty Fen Shield and a voucher for a pair of running shoes. There will also be prizes available for first male and female teams.

Also running on the day for youngsters and those who fancy something a little less challenging than the full 13 miles, will be a one mile Fun Run starting at 10.45am.

Ely Standard photographers will be in attendance on the day so be sure to wear your finest running gear and look out for your results and position in the September 17 edition of the paper which will feature a complete list of everybody involved on the day as well as the best snaps.

Entry for the Half Marathon, (online only at www.gruntyfen.co.uk) is �13 for affiliated runners and �15 for those non-affiliated. Entry for the Fun Run is �2 on the day.