THE Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal is offering local runners the chance to compete in some of the country's top marathons and other big runs.

It is in a position to guarantee a limited number of places in such events as the British 10k Run, the Bristol Half Marathon, the Great South Run in Portsmouth and Salisbury's own Half Marathon - for fundraisers prepared to run in support of the appeal. These places will be allocated to runners on a first-come-first-served basis.

In addition, the hospital charity is offering a coveted place in the London Marathon, for which a runner will be chosen by the appeal organisers after those wanting to take up the challenge have applied for, and completed, a questionnaire.

Dave Cates, director of fundraising at Salisbury District Hospital said: "The Stars Appeal has two initial major targets and fundraisers are already looking at ways to raise £100,000 for new state-of-the-art equipment which will help new-born babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

"The campaign to raise £300,000 to equip a dedicated keyhole cancer operating theatre has also taken off with real interest shown by local people and organisations." The British 10k London Run takes place on July 1 and is staged on the world's greatest road race routes through the heart of London. It passes many of the capital's world famous landmarks, which include Trafalgar Square, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and Big Ben.

The Bristol Half Marathon is run on September 9 and is one of the UK's leading road races. In recent years, it has become one of the largest and most popular half marathons in the country. World gold and Olympic silver medallist Steve Cram has confirmed his entry in this year's race.

The Great South Run, which is Britain's leading ten-mile running event, takes place on October 28. The flat route in Southsea is the ideal course to record a personal best, and is regarded as one of the most popular road races in the United Kingdom.

The Salisbury Half Marathon will also take place on October 28. Now in its tenth year, this popular local road race is run on quiet country roads to the north of the city taking in a very scenic Avon Valley through the Woodfords and boasting fine views of Salisbury Cathedral and Old Sarum. The London Marathon is one of the premier world marathon events and the one place available will be for the run in 2008.

Mr Cates added: "Places on the top runs and marathons are hard to come by, with thousands of people wanting to run as their way of raising money for charitable causes. This is a marvellous opportunity for runners to get their place at a major event and, in the process, do their bit to support their local hospital."

All the places on offer are free for people who want to enter, and anyone interested should contact Hannah Paye on 01722 429005, or email info@starsappeal.org For more information about The Stars Appeal, please visit www.starsappeal.org, contact Dave Cates on 01722 429005 or email dave.cates@salisbury.nhs.uk qRiders reach for the stars: Page 28.