ORGANISERS of this year’s Wokingham Half Marathon believe it could be a record-breaking race.

They say both the men’s and women’s course records will be under serious threat from some of the nation’s top athletes on Sunday, February 21.

The Gold Standard race attracts a high-class field and this year’s entries are no exception.

The men’s race will see Belgrave Harriers star, Phil Wicks, return to defend his own course record of 1:03:14 which he set in 2012.

But that time will be severely tested by Newham & Essex Beagles runner, John Beattie, and Cardiff Athletic Club’s Carwyn Jones.

Jonathon Poole of Serpentine is also expected to be in the leading pack.

Two Irish runners who have qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games will be hoping for success over the course.

Paul Pollock and Kevin Seaward will use the half marathon as part of their preparations for Rio later this year.

Meanwhile, Liz Yelling’s record of 1:11:09 set in 2008 could also be at risk.

The former Olympic marathon star set the record in 2008 during the peak of her career.

However, a number of top female athletes will be out to beat it during this year’s race.

The likes of Caryl Mair Jones from Swansea Athletic Club and Emma Stepto of Cornwall Athletic Club are being tipped to run close to Yelling’s record time.

Bryony Proctor of Aldershot & Fareham, Amy Clements of Kent Athletic Club and Samantha Amend of Belgrave Harriers could also mount a serious challenge.

There is a £500 cash prize for breaking the course record together with cash prizes plus crystal glass trophies for the first three places in the men’s and ladies races. All finishers will receive a medal.

Organisers are reminding runners who wish to enter to fill in their application forms quickly as more than 90% of the 3,000 places available have already been taken.

To enter go to www.wokinghamhalfmarathon.co.uk or download an entry form and post it to Wokingham Half Marathon, PO Box 54. Wokingham, RG40 2JW.

Organisers also wish to thank sponsors David Cliff Estate Agents, Mitsubishi Motors and solicitors Herrington Carmichael for their support together with Wokingham Borough Council for providing the use of Cantley Park on the day.