Andover Half Marathon & 12K returns on Sunday 25 October with a route that connects the centre of a modern Hampshire town with a landscape shaped thousands of years ago.

Both races start and finish on Andover High Street, where Seasons Run Club will create a town centre race village for the morning. Half Marathon runners set off first at 8:00am, followed by the 12K at 9:00am.

Once beyond Andover, the Half Marathon heads south into the surrounding countryside on a course that is around 84% paved. The 13.1 miles accumulate approximately 229 metres of climbing, with quiet villages and panoramic views providing the reward for the undulations.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the ancient landscape visible from the route. Runners can look towards three Iron Age hill forts, reminders that people were occupying and defending these Hampshire hills long before anyone contemplated running through them for a medal.

The Half Marathon has a generous three and a half hour cut off, making the event accessible to a broad range of runners. Two aid stations provide support along the way, while the course is way marked and marshalled throughout.

The 12K provides a shorter alternative but still offers a mixed terrain challenge. Its route measures approximately 12.77K, with around 100 metres of elevation and a section of firm dirt among the predominantly paved running.

Both distances are chip timed and every finisher receives a bespoke medal. Half Marathon competition also comes with cash prizes for the first male and female runners alongside overall and age category awards.

There are flatter Half Marathons and certainly easier opportunities to chase a PB. Andover offers something different: a town centre start followed by a journey into Hampshire countryside where some of the landmarks have been watching over runners' footsteps for more than two thousand years.

Entries are available now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy Seasons Run Club on Facebook.