Marathon is well on course

Organisers used a specialist hoist mounted on a truck to install 30 large red "Marathon Route" signs. It is the start of a mammoth operation to get the course ready for the event and to ensure that those taking part are safe. A further 770 signs will be put up over the next few days, in time for the annual event on Sunday September 6, warning motorists of road closures.

It will also lead runners around the route.

Thousands of leaflets will also be landing on doormats around West Park, Aldersley and Pendeford informing them about the event.

Preparations are already well under way for the 12th annual marathon event, which also features a half marathon, relay challenge and cycle race.

Course manager Bob Atkins, said: "The erection of the red route signage around the city is the next phase of marathon preparations, which have been ongoing since March and signals that now there are only two weeks to go to the events."

The marathon has made a name for itself as one of the most popular fundraisers on Wolverhampton's calendar and each year raises thousands of pounds for charity, including £29,000 last year.

Charities set to benefit from this year's effort include Promise Dreams, Diabetes UK West Midlands, the Wolverhampton branch of the Alzheimers Society and the Mayoral Charity fund.

For the first time this year, runners will be fitted with digital chips to make sure their final times are accurate. The chips are activiated when runners pass over electronic mats placed on the course. Due to the new chip timing, runners will not be able to sign up on the day of the event as they have in the past. The full marathon and half marathon will start at West park at 9.15am.