THE annual Black Dog Bungay Marathon gets under way in three weeks time - and there is set to be another large field of runners.Already nearly 500 have entered for the full marathon and half marathon, and the event, on Sunday, April 18, also includes the popular fun run for children and parents.

THE annual Black Dog Bungay Marathon gets under way in three weeks time - and there is set to be another large field of runners.

Already nearly 500 have entered for the full marathon and half marathon, and the event, on Sunday, April 18, also includes the popular fun run for children and parents.

The huge logistical task of staging an event of this kind has been going on for some time, with the army of people needed to ensure it runs smoothly including a good number recruited by the NSPCC, which for the second year in succession is the nominated charity for the event.

It takes a 13-mile course, starting at the Maltings Meadow Sports Ground at Ditchingham, through Bungay, Mettingham, Barsham, Beccles, Gillingham, Geldeston, Ellingham and Broome, with the full marathon athletes doing two laps of that picturesque course.

Runners from all over the country and abroad will be taking part in what is the 28th running of the event - it started in 1982 - with each finisher receiving a medal. If conditions are good, the record for the new course - the route changed when the marathon moved to the Ditchingham start site in 2006 - set by Lowestoft's Carl Prewer at Carl Prewer at two hours 46 minutes 59 seconds in 2007, could be under threat, as could the women's record, set by Racheal Leathwood in 2009 at 3-7:56.

Kevin Murphy holds the half-marathon record at 1-11:55 seconds (2006) and Helen Decker the female best mark of 1-25:21 seconds (2006).

Each runner will have a timer chip attached to their running shoes to streamline the timing process and results service.

The event, once again sponsored by M and H Plastics of Beccles, includes the full range of services, including pre and post-race massage, medical back-up, refreshments, baggage handling, showers, water stations along the route at regular intervals, course marshals and regular updates of the leading runners' progress along the route.

Once again this year the event is supporting the Christian African Relief Trust (CART) with a collection point on the club house veranda for recycling your T-shirts and trainers, which will be sent to Africa.

There is still time to enter for the marathon. It can be done on line via the website: www.bungayblackdogrunningclub.co.uk or by post. Entry forms can be downloaded on line, or write to the entries secretary, Chris Chorley, 19, Kingshall Street, Rougham, Bury St Edmunds, IP30 9LE (01359 271757).

Runners are being encouraged to be sponsored for the NSPCC, and sponsor forms are available on line.