BEAMING sunshine is set to hit this weekend when thousands of runners descend on the town to take part in the half marathon.

Reports suggest parts of the south could be warmer than Ibiza on Sunday, with Reading expected to see its warmest weekend of the year so far.

Runners preparing for the race should ensure they drink plenty of fluids both before the event and during, with temperatures expected to rise to between 15 and 18 degrees.

The town should be warmer than Madrid in Spain and Lisbon in Portugal.

Chloe Moore, public engagement programme manager for the Royal Meteorological Society, said: "Temperatures this weekend could bring the warmest weather of 2016 so far. 

"The warmest temperature recorded so far this year was 18.6C recorded in Braemar, Scotland on the 17th March. On Sunday maximum temperatures of 17-18C are forecast, with a few local spots with the potential of being slightly warmer and beating the current record.

"The current warmth is a result of a south to southwesterly air flow, bringing milder air from the Continent."

The Chronicle advises runners to drink at every water station along the half marathon route and both runners and spectators should wear something cool on the day.