Don't miss out on a place in the Brathay Windermere Marathon – The Lake District.

Those wanting to run in the Lake District Brathay Windermere Marathon on Sunday 18 May are being encouraged to book now to avoid disappointment. Entries are capped at 1500.

For the first time just over half of the route will be run on either partially traffic-free roads or roads with a dedicated running lane. Organisers Brathay Trust are expecting more interest in the event as a result.

The 26.2 mile anti-clockwise route circumnavigates England’s longest lake, Windermere, taking in the honey-pot sites of Hawkshead, Newby Bridge, Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside. Of the 14.9 miles run on partially traffic-free roads, there is an increase of 6.2 miles this year.

Overseas interest in the event continues to grow each year with the 2014 event seeing entries from Japan, the USA, Australia and the Netherlands. The race also continues to be more popular with runners from the south of the country. So far this year 23% of entered runners are from Cumbria and Lancashire and a further 17% from Yorkshire.

Over the last three years there has been a steady advance in the number of women running the race. The 2012 event saw 29% of female entrants rising to 30% in 2013. So far this year the figure is 32%.

As race director Jon Owen from Brathay Trust explains: "We've had incredible support since we launched this event in 2007. It's become the single most important fundraiser for our work with disadvantaged young people and it’s also very popular with runners. New for 2014 is a section of the route that will have a dedicated running lane. We think the fact that over half of the marathon is run on roads which are practically traffic free will make it a very popular race.”

Run for Charity, who describe the race as arguably the most beautiful marathon to run in the UK, says it has everything; incredible views of the Lakeland fells, amazingly supportive local people and a challenge for even the most seasoned runner.

“When you get started you will really have to try and catch your breath as the immaculate view will take it from you” describes a review on their website.

“Finishing the race you are greeted by an incredible group of people all up beat and happy, so make sure you finish well for them… you definitely get one of the best receptions.”

For the first time in the history of the event, last year’s winner was a local man who finished the 26.2 miles route in 02:38:50. The 2013 female winner was from Cheshire who crossed the line in 03:08:59.

The organising team is made up of 200 local volunteers and 75 Brathay Trust staff. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Ali Young by email on [email protected] or by phone, 0844 225 3100.

Those wanting to enter the race and find out more should visit http://www.brathaywindermeremarathon.org.uk. The closing date for entries is Tuesday 13 May 2014.

Last year the marathon and its sister event, the Brathay 10in10, along with the Family Fun Day raised over £157k in support of Brathay’s work with vulnerable young people across the UK. Visit brathay.org.uk for more information.