THE Severn Bridge Half Marathon has been voted Best New Race in 2014 by readers of magazine Runner's World.

The award was presented to race organiser Andy Creber at the Runner's Personal Best Awards, held at the O2 Arena in London last month.

Andy said: "My fellow race organiser Paul Dodd and I are completely thrilled to win this award. The fact that those who took part in our race voted it as the best new race in 2014 is a huge compliment. The inaugural event last year took a large amount of time and effort to organise, but the feedback we've had from the runners has made it all worthwhile. This award is the icing on the cake. We'd like to thank everyone who voted. We very much hope this accolade will inspire others to lace up their running shoes on Sunday 30th August this year for the second running of the Severn Bridge Half Marathon."

There are already over 800 entrants to this year's race. Last year the event was full with 2500 registered competitors.

The event starts on the Western (Chepstow) end of the Severn Bridge on the motorway itself, and after the crossing takes the B4661 towards Thornbury. The route then follows a five mile loop along scenic and pleasantly undulating country lanes from Elberton, through Littleton upon Severn and Kington, before arriving back on the B4661 to return to the bridge.

The route will suit both first timers and experienced club runners. It gives runners an opportunity to run between two countries, between sea and sky, and run on a closed motorway across the iconic Severn Bridge. There will be a free technical t-shirt, medal and goody bag for all finishers.

The event will have chip timing, an atmospheric event village, a well-marked and marshalled route, refreshments and catering outlets at the finish, three drinks stations on the route, changing and baggage facilities, and ample toilet facilities. There will be cash prizes for the first five men and women and age category prizes provided by sponsor Up and Running. Tesco are providing the contents for the goody bags.

Organisers are very thankful to Basepoint who are generously sponsoring the event for the second year running. Charity partners are St David's Hospice Care and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. Runners are to choose one of these, or their own charity to race for. The cost to enter is £27 for affiliated runners, and £29 for unaffiliated runners. Runners can enter online via the website http://www.severnbridgehalfmarathon.com">www.severnbridgehalfmarathon.com.