Cirencester will welcome runners onto closed roads on Sunday 1 November when the Cirencester Half Marathon brings 13.1 miles of racing to the heart of the Cotswolds.

Organised by Future Sports Events, the race has been designed around the character of its host town. Cirencester is often described as the Capital of the Cotswolds, with a history stretching back to Roman Britain and a town centre filled with landmarks that provide a distinctive setting for a Half Marathon.

Both the start and finish are in the town centre, putting runners and spectators at the centre of the occasion. The course showcases some of Cirencester's best known sights, including the historic Market Place and the imposing parish church of St John Baptist.

Runners will also encounter greener surroundings around Abbey Grounds, adding another dimension to a route intended to combine the town's heritage with its Cotswold setting.

Closed roads are an important part of the race experience, allowing participants to concentrate on their running while enjoying the atmosphere created around the town. Professional chip timing will provide accurate finishing times and every finisher will receive an official race medal.

The November date also places Cirencester towards the end of the main autumn road racing season, providing another opportunity for runners targeting a late year Half Marathon.

Places are limited and the organisers expect the event to sell out. For runners searching for a Half Marathon where the location is an important part of race day, Cirencester offers the prospect of closed road running through one of Gloucestershire's most historic towns.

Entries are available now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy Future Sports Events.