ORGANISERS of the Colchester Half Marathon have been forced to close entries to the event six weeks before it takes place.
The race has proven to be so popular that almost all 2,500 places have been filled and it has attracted international runners for the first time in its three-year history.
Matt Eaton, course director, said organisers from Colchester Colne Round Table were “stunned” by the response.
He added: “We were told when we set up the event it would take a decade to get to this sort of number. We have become a race which is selling out within three years.”
The 13.1-mile event will take place on March 17, starting at 9am and finishing at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
The first few miles encompass Colchester town centre and the second part of the race takes in the countryside of Boxted and Langham.
On Thursday there were around 100 spaces left and Mr Eaton said they were selling out a rate of around 50 a day.
Mr Eaton said the race would be sold out by this Sunday, February 17.“We are closing entry six weeks ahead of the event and a good couple of weeks earlier than we had planned.
“We have surpassed all expectations in ticket sales and for the first time we have had people internationally. People are coming as far as from Italy, it is growing in strength and stature.”Further details on the event and how to enter can be found at www.colchesterhalfmarathon.co.uk