NEARLY 800 runners have signed up to take part in the 36th Taunton Marathon and Half Marathon.

The HQ for the race, organised by Taunton Carnival Committee on Sunday, April 7, is at Bridgwater and Taunton College and the shorter route takes participants 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 then, in a major change introduced last year, through Hele and Upcott into Bishop's Hull.

It’s then down over Netherclay and out into Silk Mills Road and back to the college via Heron Drive.

Full marathon runner run the lap a second time.

Humberts estate agents ha joined main sponsors Ashfords Solicitors and Nuffield Health.

Humberts chief operating officer Tim Simmons said: "Humberts are delighted to be sponsorship partners with the Taunton Marathon.

"The event is much loved by the local community and it is fitting for Humberts to be involved as we too have been part of the local community – since 1842 in our case.

"As part of the sponsorship we will be entering a team who will be delighted to participate and are looking forward to the gruelling training – which we will all do alongside our day jobs of advising on all property matters in the area."

Entries are open until March 25 online or by downloading a form from www.tauntonmarathon.co.uk