MARSHALS and volunteers are wanted for this year's new-look Oxford Half Marathon.

Organisers of the event, sponsored by Vitality, are appealing for people with "good local knowledge" to get involved.

About 10,000 runners rae expected to pound the city's pavements.

Broad Street will be the new start and finish of the 13.1-mile race as organisers hope to make it "one of the best half marathons in the world".

Last year the race started and ended in St Giles’ for the first time. More than 7,500 people took part to raise funds for a variety of different charities.

Race organiser Jamie Warren, head of marketing at GO2, said: "Race day is always so much fun, and we often find that volunteers enjoy the atmosphere so much they continue to come back year after year to help out.

"We are calling out to locals to help us really make this year’s race one to remember."

The roles include course marshals to direct runners across the route, start and finish line marshals, as well as people to hand out rewards and goody bags.

Organisers have also asked for volunteers to help set up the event and provide information to spectators and runners on October 9.

In return for their free time, all volunteers will get a free T-shirt, breakfast on the day and free entry to another GO2 event as a thank you.

The race route was chosen after it was decided the Broad's Sheldonian Theatre, Weston Library and Balliol College would offer the best surroundings to provide a "spectacular" beginning and end to the event.

On a largely-flat route, competitors will run from Broad Street and on to Magdalen Street, along St Giles, Parks Road, and Mansfield Road before heading up South Parks Road through Norham Gardens and the full length of Banbury Road.

The runners will then U-turn at Carlton Road and travel back down before heading into Marston Ferry Road, then through Marston before turning left back on to Banbury Road.

The final mile in the city centre takes in Holywell Street, Catte Street and the iconic Radcliffe Square and Turl Street before runners enter Broad Street again for a heroes' welcome.

Last year's winner was Steve Naylor from Witney, who completed his first half marathon in one hour, 10 minutes and 24 seconds.

If you are interested in volunteering contact the organising team by emailing oxford@go2events.org.uk or call 0845 308 4004.

If you would rather be part of the race action, visit www.oxfordhalf.co.uk for more information.