EXCITEMENT is building for the eighth running of the Ealing Half Marathon this Sunday, with 7,000 runners from 26 countries.

It is West London’s only fully-closed road half marathon and is known for its fantastic community support. Thousands of spectators are once more expected to line the route.

Elite runners include Jonathan Poole, winner of the 2018 and 2017 races, and Rachel Thomas, winner of the female title last year.

Comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi, an Ealing resident, will be the official starter in Lammas Park at 9am.

The 13.1-mile course will then take in the leafy streets and parks of Central Ealing, Montpelier, Pitshanger, West Ealing, Hanwell and St Stephens, before returning to Lammas Park. The route map can be downloaded here.

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The official race charities are Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Macmillan Cancer Support and Meadow House Hospice.

Starting race weekend is the  Ealing Mini Mile on Saturday, giving young runners and their families the chance to get involved.

Sponsored by St Augustine’s Priory, it consists of five separate races for age categories 6-7, 8, 9, 10-11 and 12-16 years. There is also a Family Mini Mile race for young runners aged five and under, starting at midday.

The full race guide can be downloaded here.

Road closures will come into effect before the start on Sunday, but the race village in Lammas Park is well served by public transport.

Full details about road closures and bus diversions can be found on the race website at www.ealinghalfmarathon.com/resident-information