DEAL Tri are now accepting entries for the Mercury Dover half marathon to be held on February 16.

The race, now in its third year, has proved to be a popular and challenging event with the start and finish at the Duke of York's Royal Military School.

The club are aiming for 600 entrants, especially as the race is also the Kent County Championship half marathon. This is effectively a race within the main race for those born in Kent or having resided in the county for the nine months before the race.

The course record set last year could well be beaten. Deal's Phil Anthony has entered for the first time in preparation for long course triathlon and he will have the championship and the course record in mind.

Organiser Bryan May is inviting participants to raise money for one of two charities that have been adopted this year, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. Both offer places in the London Marathon.

Runners are invited to contact Mr May for further information. Mr May will be competing in the London Marathon again this year and will himself be raising funds for the National Osteoporosis Society. Anyone wishing to sponsor Mr May can call him on 01304 239936.

For further race information see www.dealtri.ndo.co.uk or e-mail events@dealtri.ndo.co.uk