Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital will sponsor the Tunbridge Wells half marathon this year.

The private healthcare provider is contributing a range of services in a bid to enhance the fitness and health of the anticipated 1,500 runners.

Those taking part in the event on Sunday, February 21 can collect their T-shirts and race numbers from the hospital on Kingswood Road on February 18, 19 and 20.

On race day, the affiliated Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Fitness & Wellbeing Gym will take the warm up before the 9am start.

The hospital’s physiotherapists will also be offering treatments to runners after they have finished in return for a charitable donation.

Director of Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells, Joe Hazel, said: "Our focus at Nuffield Health is complete health, fitness and wellbeing.

"We are delighted to be able to share our expertise in fitness and physiotherapy with the runners – as well as offering use of our facilities to the organisers – to help make the 33rd Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon the most successful yet and support fantastic local causes."

The Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon is one of the biggest events in the UK organised voluntarily by The Tunbridge Wells Harriers.

Race director and event co-ordinator, Mark Taylor, said: "It’s fantastic that Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells have come on board to sponsor one of the biggest sporting events in the town’s calendar.

"The challenging and beautiful course through the Kent Weald makes it one of the most popular half marathons in the country – it was voted No. 2 Half Marathon in 2011 by Runner’s World readers – so we get entrants from near and far.

"Having the support of Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital, gym and physiotherapy team means we will be able to offer them a more professional experience than ever before."

The Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon also raises money for charity and donates all surplus funds.

Over the last five years alone the race has donated more than £120,000 to local causes.

This year’s main charities are The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Tunbridge Wells Counselling Centre and The Bridge Trust.

To book your place in the Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon click here.