THE Taunton Marathon and Half Marathon is back after a two-year-absence.

The 38th annual road races will make a welcome return to the streets on Sunday, April 3.

Covid forced the cancellation of the 2020 event just weeks before the off and last spring mass sporting events were not allowed due to the pandemic.

Marilyn House, chairman of the organisers Taunton Carnival Committee, House said: “We are so pleased to bring the races back.

"I’m very happy to announce Ashfords Solicitors are once again our headline sponsors, continuing their long association with the event.

"Bridgwater and Taunton College is kindly hosting the race HQ as always and we are supported by Nuffield Health.”

The event was first held in 1983 and the present day’s 13.1mile half marathon route takes runners along Wellington Road, Tangier Way, Bridge Street and out along Staplegrove Road through Norton Fitzwarren to Oake.

It then turns left across country to Bradford-on-Tone and up through Hele and Upcott into the village of Bishop's Hull.

Participants then run down over Netherclay and out into Silk Mills Road and back to the Bridgwater and Taunton College via Heron Drive.

Runners tackling the full 26.2mile marathon then get to run the lap a second time.

Race director John Lewis said more than 400 runners have entered so far.

Mr Lewis said: “It’s clear from what we are seeing that runners are glad events are literally back on the roads again.

"It’s the same for many of the organisations and individuals who help out on the day.

"We hope very much that the event will look and feel as it always has, with only a few tweaks needed to minimise Covid issues.”

All-time course records were set in the event's early days, but it’s not all about winning.

The races cater for all abilities and lots of people have achieved their personal bests over the two distances here.

Entries are open until March 21.

To enter online or download a form go to www.tauntonmarathon.co.uk