ORGANISERS OF the second Dundee Half Marathon are expecting a 50% increase in the number of people taking part this year.

With almost a month until the race through the city, the number of people who have registered has surpassed the number who competed last year.

So far 634 people have returned their application form and paid their entry fee, and organisers hope the final number will exceed 900, a 50% increase over last year’s 600 competitors.

Among those who have registered are GMTV presenter Lorraine Kelly and former MP Iain Luke, who will be raising money for Maggie’s Centre.

The route of the event, which takes place on Sunday, June 26, has changed due to the extensive roadworks.

Starting from City Square at 9 am, runners will head to Lochee Road and on to Tullideph Road, a steep climb and the most challenging part of the run.

After this section runners head back to sea level along Ancrum Road, Arran Drive and then South Road into the Technology Park.

The route then takes runners along the full length of the city all the way to the finish line in front of Broughty Castle.

City Square, High Street, Whitehall Street, Whitehall Crescent, Dock Street and Commercial Street will be closed to traffic on the day of the race and many other roads will be reduced to a single lane for traffic.

Race official Trevor San said, “The road works are more extensive than ever before in the city centre and this has a knock-on effect throughout the rest of Dundee.

“We’ve designed a route through and around this and runners are going to enjoy some spectacular views of Dundee.

“We are delighted that the number of people taking part has increased this year.

“I think word of mouth from the successful first event last year has helped as well as a lot of promotion from Spar, who are sponsoring the event.

“We have already passed the number of people who took part last year and we hope that more people will continue to sign up.

“We are projecting that 900 people will take part this year.

“This is a once-a-year opportunity to run through Dundee’s streets unhindered.”

Well-wishers are encouraged to come along from 10 am to watch runners cross the line.

The organisers are looking for 85 volunteers to help marshal the event. Duties include directing the runners, pedestrians and traffic across the route.

Trevor added, “Stewarding the event is an ideal opportunity for youth groups to get involved as it gives them a sense of team work, responsibility and an opportunity to assist in a major fund-raising event.

“All marshals are fed and watered and we provide training and safety equipment so no experience is required to help out.

“It’s a good way to support and feel a part of an event that raises tens of thousands of pounds for local charities.”

Anybody interested in taking part in the race or helping as a marshal should contact Trigger Events on Dundee 540315.