WITH the help of local runners, a half marathon could pass through the centre of Hexham next month.

Hexham Half Marathon organiser Greg Urwin was told earlier this week he needed just 70 additional runners to sign up before next Thursday in order to start the event on Beaumont Street, opposite Hexham Abbey.

Making its debut last year, the half marathon proved an instant hit with the North-East’s running fraternity even if the hilly route proved difficult for many.

Should Urwin achieve his target – 55 more were needed at the time of going to press – then the course will become easier as it heads from the town centre past Hexham Old Gaol, Beaumont Castle and the town’s two bridges before heading up Anick Road.

Urwin said: “As the race organiser, I am ecstatic to offer people this option. However, we need a minimum of 70 runners in the next 10 days. I really hope you get behind us in this venture to bring what I believe can be one of the most historic and beautiful half marathons.”