THE county is gearing up for the 29th Dartford Half Marathon on Sunday, July 17.

The race, which is organised by Dartford Harriers AC, is expected to attract a high-class field of between 500 and 600 runners.

This year's race incorporates the Kent Championships so there will be a lot of support from throughout the county.

The course itself, which is 13 miles and 192 yards long, begins and ends on the running track in Central Park, home of Dartford Harriers.

The route is an interesting mix of town and the rural areas of Dartford, including a tough section through Darenth country park.

And, as an extra incentive, there will be course record bonus payments of £100 for the winners if they break the current course record times of 68mins 8secs by Nick Francis in 2001 and 75mins 27secs by Andrea Green in 2000.

The race is open to anyone over the age of 17 and costs £10 for members of affiliated athletics clubs and £11 for non-affiliated members. Entry on the day costs as extra £1.

The course is not suitable for wheelchair athletes.

To enter by post, write to Dartford Half Marathon, 14 Westbrook, Blisworth, Northampton, NN7 3EN, making cheques payable to Dartford Half Marathon.

You can also enter at www.runnersworld.co.uk.

Entries will be taken on the day until 8.45am, with racing due to start at 9am.

There will also be a one-mile Fun Run taking place at Central Park at 9.15am.

Entries will only be taken on the day and the £2 entry fee will be donated to Cancer Research UK.

Athletes of all ages are invited to take part and all entrants will receive a certificate and a medal.

The Dartford Festival also takes place on the weekend of July 16-17 so there will be plenty to keep runners, spectators and helpers entertained after the race.

The organisers of the event would like to thank the sponsors and supporters of the event, including J. Clubb Ltd, Asda, McDonald's, JP Fruit Distributors, Beadles (Dartford), Sweat Shop, the Stone Guide Company, the Red Cross, Kent Police and Dartford Borough Council.