Applications have now opened to take part in this year’s St Albans Half Marathon, the Walking Half Marathon, the 5k run and the 1.5k Children's Fun Run.

St Albans District Council has organised the event to take place in Verulamium Park on Sunday, June 8.

Competitors need to book their places before 12 noon on Tuesday, June 3 through the website on http://www.stalbanshalfmarathon.co.uk/.

To launch this year’s event, the city’s mayor, Annie Brewster, met up with the winners of the first-ever St Albans Half Marathon held in 1981.

In that year, Kirk Dumpleton, Deputy Head of Roundwood Park School, and Irene Peaty were crowned the winners of the men’s and women’s Half Marathon.

Speaking at the launch in Verulamium Park on January 28, she said: "It was a real pleasure to meet up with Kirk and Irene, winners of the first St Albans Half Marathon, who I used to run with.

"We met to help launch St Albans 33rd Half Marathon. It is not only a popular event for both spectators and competitors but every year it raises an amazing amount of money for local charities and voluntary organisations. We would love to make 2014 the best ever because it will raise funds for Mind in Mid Herts, which is such a vital charity in St Albans.

"There are races to suit everyone, from fun-runners to serious runners, walkers and even children. So don’t miss out, book your place now."

Last year’s event was so popular that the number of places available for people to run in the Half Marathon has now increased by 500 to 4,000.

For the first time this year the Hertfordshire County Championships will also be incorporated in the Half Marathon race.

The 2013 Half Marathon raised a record £36,700 for Hertfordshire Society for the Blind and other local charities. This year’s event will raise money for charities including Mind in Mid Herts, a mental health charity associated with national Mind based in Hatfield Road.

Gloria Holland, the charity’s chief executive, said: "We offer services and support for everyone who may be struggling to maintain their wellbeing for whatever reason.

"Last year we supported 2,500 people in St Albans District, helping them to feel socially included, learn new skills and find employment. We are proud to be part of the Half Marathon and, although I am not built for running, I will be walking and supporting the event in June."