EARLY bird entries for next year's Reading Half Marathon have now opened.

Following yesterday's event, Sweatshop have announced that early entries for the 2018 Vitality Reading Half Marathon and Green Park Challenge are now open.

Next year's event will be on Sunday, March 18.

Judith Manson, race director, said: "We’ve never opened entries to Reading so soon after the event before, but we are very excited to give runners the chance to sign up again while they are still on a high from finishing this year’s race!

"A big thank you to the Madejski Stadium and our partners and we are looking forward to welcoming old and new faces back to Reading in 2018!"

Nick Rance, who ran this year’s half marathon on behalf of Cancer Research UK in memory of his father, said: "I really wanted to do something that would make my Dad proud – and raise money for a very worthwhile charity in the process.

"Yesterday’s race was even better than I could have imagined, the support the whole way around the course was phenomenal. Everyone involved in making this event happen did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to come back next year. The stadium finish is definitely a unique draw, it allows us mortals the chance to feel like an Olympian for just a few moments!"

The 2017 course led runners from Green Park, through the grounds of Reading University and past the supportive crowds in the town centre, to a momentous finish line moment like no other inside Reading Football Club’s Madejski Stadium.

Moving into its 35th year, the event is predicted to welcome over 14,000 runners to the half marathon in 2018.

The half marathon course is ideal for seasoned athletes and beginners alike.

The 3km Green Park Challenge also provides the perfect option to run together with children and family.

Go to www.readinghalfmarathon.com for more information and to secure your place.

Early bird entry fees are as follows, and close at midnight on Monday April 20 2017:

Half Marathon

UKA affiliated club runners £34.00 / All other runners £35.00

Green Park Challenge

£9.50

Charity Champion

£58

Corporate Challenge

£185

All races include a fantastic medal and a finishers bag at the finish.