Another big field of runners is expected to compete at one of the country’s most popular long-distance races on Sunday as the Halstead Marathon takes place.

The event, which incorporates the Essex Marathon Championships and is organised by Halstead Road Runners, will see more than 600 runners toeing the start line as it proves once again to be a big draw.

It was voted among the top three marathons in the UK two years ago by the readers of Runners World magazine and race director Keith Thorogood said the forecast good weather for the weekend was likely to entice even more to attend.

He said there had been more than 600 pre-entries, but entry was also available on the day.

Thorogood said: “We’re expecting more to come with the weather and we’ve laid on extra water provisions to cater for the warm weather that has been forecast.

“It always proves to be a very popular event because we make sure it is a race for runners.

“We always make sure they have a good day and do the things that they appreciate.”

The course was changed for the 2015 event and Thorogood said it would follow the same route as that again this year.

Race headquarters are at Halstead Leisure Centre in Colne Road, Halstead, and the event starts at 10am.

Further information about the race and entry details are available at www.halsteadroadrunners.org.uk