UP to 1,500 athletes are expected to take part in this year's Redcar Half Marathon.

Entry forms for the major event, which traditionally opens the North-East athletics season in March, will be available shortly, organisers have announced.

Already there is speculation about which runner will win this year after local hero, Guisborough PE teacher Rob Holladay, won in 2001 and veteran runner Rob Hand, better known as the flying doctor from Durham, won last March.

The marathon, this year sponsored by Somerfield, is being held on Sunday, March 9.