A BIG year for a popular Marlow club sees a double celebration as members mark its 25th birthday by doing what they do best.

Marlow Striders running club is gearing up for the 25th Marlow Half Marathon on November 2, which it has organised since the club launched in 1989.

This year’s popular charity event will see around 1000 participants pull on their running gear to race through Marlow and the surrounding countryside on the 13-mile route.

And with 150 members now on its books, race director Blanche Morrissey is looking forward to what will be a landmark occasion for the club, which meets at Marlow Sports Club on Pound Lane.

She said: "This is such an exciting year for us as we celebrate our 25th birthday. It's amazing to think how far the club has come in that time and how much we have grown.

"We're particularly excited to be holding our 25th half marathon in 6 weeks. This will be a very special day for us and we'd like to celebrate it with as many people as possible!"

Nominated charities for the 25th anniversary Marathon are Wycombe Homeless Connection, Riley Park Trust and Marlow Sports Club, a community organisation used by over 3000 children and adults each week.

The event is part of the AA Bucks Championship, with prizes for the first male and female overall as well as the fastest male and female in each age category.

Teams will also receive prizes and each finisher will receive a hoodie and a medal.

The course consists of a one-lap route through Bovingdon Green, Hambleden, Mill End and Marlow Common, with the start and finish line at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

To sign up or find out more, visit www.marlowstriders.co.uk