TEACHER Rob Holladay is favourite to keep his Redcar half-marathon title this weekend.

The 27-year-old, who teaches at Guisborough's Laurence Jackson school, sees Sunday's race as a key part of his build-up to next month's London Marathon, where he bids for a place in England's Commonwealth Games squad.

Holladay, who will run in his Morpeth Harriers club colours, said: "It was great to win last year and it gave me a real confidence boost before the London Marathon."

He hopes to knock 30 seconds off his winning time of 68min 2sec, then aims for a 2hrs 19min marathon, a top 20 finish and a place on the Games starting line in Manchester on July 31.

Around 1,000 runners are expected at Redcar leisure centre on Sunday for the 10.30 start of the Yuill Homes-sponsored event.

Entry fees are £9.50 for club members, £10.50 for non-affiliated. Late entries will be accepted on the day.

l Almost 3,000 youngsters are preparing for the eighth annual County Durham Primary School Cross-country Fun Run at Meadowfield sports centre in Durham on Tuesday.