Hereford Times:

HEREFORDSHIRE’S first running festival is ready for the off - with the Hereford Times right behind it. This Sunday the festival brings a marathon back to the county after 13 years.

And in a day of racing endeavour, there's also a half marathon, a 10km and a 2 mile fun run.

The festival is a partnership between Herefordshire MIND and local fitness company Fit+Healthy.

It's aim is to promote wellbeing and resilience to the community and increase awareness of mental health issues, and the impact physical health can have on them.

Up to 300 runners have registered so far from all over the UK. Among them will be our own long distance triathlete Kathryn King, who is using the event as a warm-up for next month's Ironman World Championships in Kona .

As well as MIND, a whole raft of charities will net funds thanks to those running.

The showcase marathon sees runners competing for the John Tarrant Cup – carrying hopes for overdue recognition of one of Britain’s greatest athletes.

Hereford’s John Tarrant was never recognised – despite breaking world records at distances of 40 and 100 miles in the 1960s.

Tarrant was called the “ghost runner” because he was never officially accepted by athletics authorities for breaking the amateur code in accepting a £17 payment as a teenage boxer. He died of cancer at just 42.

Look out for a surprise 'Ghost Runner' taking part on the day.

The action is spread over two sites with the marathon, half marathon and 10km start – within 5 minutes of each other, at 10 am – and finishing, at Saxon Hall, Hoarwithy Road.

The Fun Run has a 9am start, registrations are from 8.30am at Halo Leisure Pool, and the festival village will be at the King George V Playing Fields. There’s a “Picnic in the Park” on the fields encouraging support for the runners.

And there's a twist, whether you are walking or running, old or young – the winners will be those who guess their time at the start of the run. Fancy dress is encouraged.

If you're there to watch, as well as being able to pick your spot on the map(see thumbnail pictures above), the Wye Inn, The Moon Inn, Bunch of Carrots and The Volunteer, are all providing a place to cheer the runners on.