ANDY Lewis, the Paralympic triathlon gold medalist, is to start this year’s Forest of Dean Trails Half Marathon.

The major event, which is entirely run for the benefit of local and international charities, has received over 1,500 entries so far and the organisers are aiming to attract well over 2,000 runners to run through the Forest on March 19.

Event organisers The Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean are looking forward to hosting the event which is on target to be the biggest half-marathon ever staged in the area.

There is great anticipation that the 13.2-mile long Speech House course record, set in 2015 by Andrew Hunt in 71 minutes and 36 seconds, will be broken this year by one of the frontrunners, although first-timers and runners of all-abilities are particularly welcome.

The more entries, the more money for charities. Also groups running for their own paricular charity are also welcome to take part in the event.

Full professional care and safety will be provided as always throughout the entire course, including after-care if needed, at the end of the race.

Andy Lewis will also present the trophies to the winners at the end of the race. All runners will be award a medal for their efforts.

The deadline for entries is March 5 and can be completed on line at the Forest of Dean Half Marathon’s web page.