The 13.1-mile event will form part of a festival of running in the heart of Scotland next April

A half-marathon distance has been added to the Stirling Scottish Marathon programme ahead of the event returning to the city on April 29.

Organisers The Great Run Company have unveiled a new 13.1-mile course to sit alongside the existing marathon, which starts and finishes in the city centre.

The Stirling Scottish Half Marathon will start near to the marathon start, and will finish alongside King’s Park where runners will also be completing their 26.2-mile journeys.

The two distances will be offered alongside the family-oriented events which will be launched in 2018, establishing a festival of running in the heart of Scotland.

The Stirling Scottish Marathon will welcome the cream of Scottish running with the event incorporating the Scottish Marathon Championships, with the extra 13.1-mile distance providing extra choice for Scottish runners.

The half-marathon route will incorporate features that are already part of the marathon course, including the brand new section along the Hillfoots Road.

“We are delighted to be able to launch the Stirling Scottish Half Marathon," said Paul Foster, CEO of The Great Run Company. "An extra distance will offer many more runners the opportunity to run in this beautiful city with its magnificent scenery.

“This will build the event further and we look forward to seeing everyone in April.”

Stirling Council leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, said: “It’s great to see the further development of the Stirling Marathon with this exciting event, which will add to the full marathon and family events that are being planned.

“The half-marathon will offer even more people, who perhaps do not want to do the full 26.2 miles, the opportunity to run in our incredible and beautiful city and enjoy the incredible support I know our residents and visitors will again show to all of the runners.”

» To sign up for either distance, visit greatrun.org/Stirling