ORGANISERS of the latest major running event in Carlisle are hoping it will attract more than 1,000 runners in its second year.

The Carlisle Half Marathon, on Sunday, will start at Carlisle United’s east stand and finish at the players tunnel.

Ian Milburn, organiser of IM Running Events, said: “Feedback last year was fantastic, we’ve just made some minor changes.

“We’ve improved it for the runners.

“Fingers crossed we’ve learned from last year and can keep on improving year on year.”

As well as the half marathon, the event also includes a 10k run, a 5k run and a family fun run which is supported by Kingmoor Park in conjunction with Carlisle Youth Zone.

The event will again support Eden Valley Hospice as its chosen charity.

The idea for the run came from the charity football match held in honour of form Carlisle United favourite Tony Hopper.

Since last year’s event Ian has joined DH Runners.

“I was 20 stone last year but I wanted to get a runners perspective,” added Ian.

“I’ve lost a couple of stone since joining the running club and now have a better idea of what the runners have to go through.

“This has helped shape the event and helped me to improve it.

“I’m nervous for the runners but I’m excited for it too - it all add to the experience.

Ian is training to run the Great North Run next month.

The half-marathon will start at Brunton Park, heading into Rickerby Park to Rickerby, Linstock and Crosby on Eden before heading back towards the stadium.

The 10k runners will double back from Longlands Road and enter the stadium after passing through Rickerby Park and Stoneyholme, while the fun run is planned to go through the town centre and back to Brunton Park via the Carlisle Youth Zone.