SPECTATORS of the Oxford half marathon have been encouraged to come out and cheer on the runners as they tackle the race tomorrow.

St Giles’, where the Half Marathon is set to begin for the first time, will be a prime spot to watch the competitors during their 13.1-mile challenge.

The runners will leave through Magdalen Street, at the southern end of St Giles’, and return there for one last straight at the end of the race.

There will be plenty of room to watch – and maybe spot a loved one – along the area.

It is part of a new route that will be inaugurated for this year’s half marathon. Runners will continue from Magdalen Street through the city centre, past historical landmarks such as the Sheldonian Theatre, the Museum of Natural History and the Radcliffe Camera.

Jamie Warren, head of marketing and commercial at GO2, which organises the event, said: “Picking out a runner’s name on their t-shirt gives a much-needed boost when the legs are starting to tire. The cheers that you hear when heading to the finish line helps find a little extra energy that you didn’t know was there.

“From elite runners, right through to all those fantastic fundraisers who have taken on the challenge to do something amazing for a good cause, everyone feeds off the support of the spectators. It really makes a massive difference to everyone taking part.”

Some 7,500 runners are expected to line up for the beginning of the race at 10am.

Said Mr Warren: “This year’s event sold out in record time and we are delighted it has proved to be so popular. We have more runners than ever that need your support and we are encouraging everyone to come out for the day, take to their doorsteps and cheer as spectators play a big role in creating the race day atmosphere.”

Runners and their spectators have been advised to allow plenty of time to get to the start on the day as road closures and diversions will be in place across the city centre.

Beaumont Street, St Giles and Woodstock Road will be affected longest and will be at least partly closed from 12.01am to 6pm on Sunday.

Parking restrictions will be in place and a pre-booked park-and-ride service will be operating from Pear Tree, Redbridge, Thornhill and Seacourt sites, all within 20 minutes of the city centre.

* Don’t miss Monday’s Oxford Mail for our picture special.