THE starting pistol has been fired on preparations for the fifth annual Ealing Half Marathon.

Runners can sign up now for the event on September 25, which hopes to host up to 25,000 spectators cheering on 8,000 runners, with help from up to 700 volunteers.

Race director Kelvin Walker, 44, was already involved with adult community work and inspired in 2011 by the upcoming London Olympics, decided to turn his back on his full-time accounting job.

“I was getting into my late 30s with a young one at home and decided it was time for a career change, he said.

“So, I gave up my job, remortgaged my house and spent a year-and-a-half planning our first ever Ealing Half Marathon.”

The day was a success, with 4,500 runners attending.

And it has thrived ever since, raising more than £850,000 for various charities.

The race won the UK’s Best Half Marathon title in 2014 and 2015 and has been shortlisted again this year.

It has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and CLIC Sargent in the hope of raising more than £1 million.

Mr Walker, who with Sandra Courtney makes up the Ealing Half Community Interest Company, said he now feels much more fulfilled by his career.

Former participants include comedian Tracey Ullman, and Kenyan athlete Gladys Ruto who gained a personal best of 75 mins 27 seconds in the 2013 half.

Mr Walker stressed the event welcomes competitors of all abilities, and said many of those taking part will be doing so for the first time.

The 13.1 mile route on closed roads starts and finishes in Lammas Park.

Entries cost £36 for affiliated runners / £38 for unaffiliated runners and 8,000 places are available.

Sign up at www.ealinghalfmarathon.com