MORE than 350 volunteers are needed to help this year’s Oxford Half Marathon run smoothly.

Roles range from supervising road closure points to packing runner’s goody bags for the 13.1 mile event on Sunday, October 13.

About 4,000 people are already registered for the half marathon.

The route takes participants through the city, starting and finishing at the Kassam Stadium.

Co-organiser Dave Box said: “The success of last year’s event was down to the great volunteers’ support..

“The legacy of the Olympic Games in 2012 and the fantastic Games Makers of those Olympics have carried on the enthusiasm of the public to get involved.”

Roles also include directing and assisting runners, helping in the baggage area and staffing drink stations. Helpers be briefed two weeks before the event and get an Oxford Half Marathon T-shirt, goody bag and a post-race buffet.

Youngsters from the 28th Oxford (Littlemore) Scout Group handed out water bottles at last year’s event.

Group treasurer Tony Dunn said: “We would be more than happy to do it again this year. It is great supporting community events.

“Helen and Douglas House uses our headquarters in Fairlie Road for child bereavement groups and it is great to support them as they are the official charity for the half marathon.”

To volunteer visit the event section on oxfordhalfmarathon.com and for event information visit oxfordmail.co.uk/halfmarathon