We’re looking for runners to join our ‘purple army’ to take on the 13.1 mile race on Sunday 3 April and help transform the lives of people with physical disabilities.

Holly Bryan, Event and Challenge Co-ordinator, said: “If you have missed the general entry for the Reading Half Marathon there is still the opportunity to race as part of our amazing Canine Partners team.

“As a gold charity partner we have guaranteed places in the race, a prime spot in the furnished marquee within the race village, dedicated areas in the start zones and best of all we have exclusive use of the Reading FC Players’ Lounge before and after the race. This means our participants’ friends and family will be able to enjoy refreshments before and after the race, there’s plenty of space to leave your belongings while running and private toilet facilities.

“All sponsorship raised from the event will go towards the cost of one of our Canine Partners puppies, to fund their training and help them become a fully fledged canine partner.

“Canine Partners does not receive any government funding and relies solely on donations so all the money raised will be truly life-changing.”

General entries for the Reading Half Marathon have now closed but to sign-up to the Canine Partners Reading Half Marathon team you still have until Saturday 20 February. Please visit our challenges page or you can email hollyb@caninepartners.org.uk or call 01730 716013 before the closing date: Saturday 20 February.