AFTER an 17-year hiatus, the Slough Half-Marathon is to be revived.

At a meeting of Slough Borough Council’s cabinet on Monday, councillors unveiled plans to restore the annual running event, which last happened in 2001. The regular event attracted over 2,000 runners each year.

Cllr Rob Anderson said: “Often events like this attract all the professional running fraternities, but we need to make it clear this event is for everyone.”

The marathon is to be officially unveiled on January 26, complete with a website for runners to sign up in advance. The 13.5 mile route is planned to begin and end in Salt Hill Park. A 5 km fun run will also take place on the same day.

Councillors considered the impact the three-hour run would have on traffic, particularly since 190 roads would need to be closed temporarily to allow the run to go ahead. Councillors hoped that the closures may encourage more people to embrace public transport.

Cllr Martin Carter said: “It’s important we help people understand the reasons behind the closures. We’re trying to slowly but surely shift people from wheels to feet, and help people get active more often.”

Councillors enthusiastically embraced the plans, even though some balked at the prospect of having to run it.

The leader of the council, Cllr James Swindlehurst, joked: “The marathon stopped the year I joined the council - which I was quite relieved about at the time.”

The cost to the council is expected to be £40,000, but has already been covered through sponsorship money from construction firm Morgan Sindell, who supplied £45,000, and Everyone Active, who contributed £1,500. Tesco has also promised to supply water for the event.

It is expected to take place on October 14 next year.