HUNDREDS of people will be banding together with their family, friends and colleagues at a Romsey landmark and raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

Organisers hope to get a record-breaking number to take part in this year’s relay marathon at the Broadlands, which has got a new sponsor this year.

Housebuilder Barratt Homes is urging people to lace up their trainers for the annual event at Broadlands Estate which takes place on Sunday April 17.

Romsey Rotary Club member, Charlie Daniel-Hobbs is masterminding the event and hopes to get at least 800 people taking part, all raising cash for charities and good causes in the area.

Since it began in 2013, more than £100,000 has been raised from the event which sees teams of 10 take it in turn to run two laps of a 1.3 mile course – 2.6 miles in total.

Businesses, youth groups, families and friends, charities and churches and sporting groups are all encouraged to take part with people aged eight to 80 getting involved.

Thousands of people will be cheering them on as the baton is passed from one runner to another.

Charlie said: “I’m delighted that it’s on again. It proves that the community wants to support itself and support the good causes that are in Romsey.

“It’s not just a fundraising event but it’s an event where good causes, and charities can have a stall and promote awareness of what they do.”

He added: “Charity revenue is always under strain, and we hope that individuals, businesses, clubs and societies across Hampshire rise to the challenge and get involved.

“Thanks to the help of the Rotary Club of Romsey at least half of the money raised goes to charities and good causes serving the Romsey area and the rest supports other worthy causes further afield.”

Michelle Storer from Barratt Homes said: “We’re excited about this year’s Barratt Homes Relay Marathon, which is set to be bigger and better than ever. It’s a great opportunity for residents, businesses and community groups to come together and do something fantastic for charity while keeping fit. Our Barratt Homes team has been training hard and we want as many people as possible to pull on their trainers and join us.”

The race begins at 10am and entry is £120 per team of up to 10, with a reduction of £20 for teams that enter before the end of February.

Charlie added that all the cash from the entry fee will go towards charity.

“Part of the ethos of the event is that the business community pays for it so that every penny goes towards good causes,” he said.

To sign up or volunteer as a marshal visit www.romseymarathon.co.uk