THE SECOND Dundee half marathon was under starters orders yesterday as organisers officially launched the event.

The race is already looking as if it will be twice as successful with 400 participants having already signed up—200 more than the same time last year.

Organisers are hoping that the increased interest will continue and are expecting over 1000 at the starting line come Sunday, June 26.

This year there will be more water stations throughout the entire route.

There will also be individual time recorders that give the exact time taken from start to finish for each participant.

And there will be cash prizes for first and second places, as well as various groups such as the best 16 to 20-year-old and the first person over the age of 50 to cross the line.

Last year GMTV presenter and Dundee University rector Lorraine Kelly and Tayside Police Chief Constable John Vine took part, and this year planners are hoping to be able to confirm a big name in the near future.

David Cunningham, of organisers Trigger Events, said, “It’s looking good for this year. We have made a number of improvements, with changes to the route as well.

“This year the half marathon will start and finish in the city centre. Last year we found that people thought that would be best.

“It’s still a scenic route along the waterfront.

“Going on last year’s entries by this point, we have about 200 more entries already. We are coming up to about 400 at the moment.”

He went on, “SPAR are sponsoring the event for the second year, which we are very grateful for as without their support it wouldn’t happen.

“We have introduced individual time recorders that are small microchips that fit on a wristband and it records when you cross the magnetic board at the start line and stops as you cross the finish line and provides interval times.

“It’s hugely important for the city. Dundee is such an important, vibrant city and we should have a serious half marathon and it’s good to see the people of the city supporting it.”

Philippe Rondepierre, marketing controller for SPAR, said, “We are sponsoring the half marathon again this year for a number of reasons.

“SPAR also sponsors Euro athletics and we are becoming known for athletics and C J Lang have been in Dundee since 1919 and so we have firm roots with Dundee.

“It’s also about putting something back into the city. SPAR is involved in the Scottish Executive healthy living initiative and it’s an opportunity for people in Dundee to get off their couches and have a great time running in the city.

“It was such a popular event last year and I think it’s going to grow bigger and bigger.

“Dundee doesn’t have a big sporting event for the whole of the city to take part in.”

Anyone who would like to enter the half marathon can register by calling 01382 540315 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5.30 pm, or by logging on to www.triggerevents.co.uk