A RECORD number of runners have registered to take part in this year’s Jersey marathon — and almost half of them are from abroad.

Word has spread throughout the world about the Island marathon, sponsored by Standard Chartered in association with Headway, which so far has 161 runners from Jersey, 33 from Guernsey and 126 from elsewhere.

Race director Helen Baker said: ‘It’s very exciting to see our field of runners becoming more international. This year we have attracted entries from the UAE, Belgium, and even as far afield as Egypt and Australia.’ In addition to the marathon runners there are six relay teams from Guernsey, 20 from the UK and six from France, plus supporters.

Three marshals are also flying in for the event this Sunday when runners will compete in the marathon, relay race and 3k fun run, the latter event being sponsored by the Jersey Evening Post. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help is asked to contact the race organisers at jersey.marat- hon@uk.standardcharte-red.com, call Rachel Shorto, marathon administrator, on 704531, or go to www. jersey-marathon.com/vol-unteering_for_race_day.

• Picture: Runners in last year’s event