THE Redcar Half Marathon 2003 was officially launched this week at sponsors Somerfield Supermarket on the town's West Dyke Road.

Shop staff are already in training for the race on March 21, which is part of the North-East Championships and is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants.

Organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Events Team, the half-marathon is on a circular route of flat roads, cycleways and pavements and takes place on Sunday, March 9, starting at 10.30am.

Event organiser Joanne Hodgson said: "We are delighted to welcome Somerfield as our new sponsors and hope the event itself can continue to grow in popularity.

"It's becoming a landmark date on club runners' calendars and, of course, there will also be hundreds of other people taking part for a variety of reasons - running for good causes or just because of the challenge."

There is a £1,500 prize fund, with a guaranteed T-shirt and medal available to all runners - who must all be over 18 on the day of the race - at the finish. Closing date for postal entries is February 28. Fees are £10.50 for club members, £11.50 for unattached runners.

For more information call (01642) 444373.