MUSICIANS are being invited to take part in this year’s Oxford Half Mara-thon’s battle of the bands competition.

Runners will be able to vote for their favourite bands lining the route of the 13.1-mile race, which will feature different types of music at up to 10 locations along the course.

Participants will vote for their choice online following the run on Sunday, October 13, which is supported by the Oxford Mail.

The winning band gets £500.

Organiser Dave Box, pictured inset, said: “The event is on its way to being a complete sell-out.

“One of the reasons for this is the amazing course, which takes in a large number of the famous sites of Oxford, together with a real carnival atmosphere generated by the runners, residents and supporters alike.

“However, one of the main reasons for the increase in running numbers is the fantastic feedback from last year’s event, which incorporated the original battle of the bands competition.”

The locations are yet to be confirmed, but will include pubs and the Mini Plant, in Cowley.

Organisers will choose up to 10 acts for the different venues.

Mr Box said: “Last year we had groups and bands of very diverse sounds and this added to the atmosphere.

“This is not just about a running event, but getting the whole community invol-ved in making it such a unique day for everyone.”

He added: “We want a variety of music – light rock, drumming, salsa, things like that.

“These bands will give fantastic encouragement to competitors.”

Last year the contest received more than 1,500 votes from runners who took part. They crowned Oxford-based The Tamashi Drummers the winners of the first Oxford Half Marathon battle of the bands competition.

Val Tate, from the group, which is playing again this year, said: “We had such a great time, we really en-joyed it. What was really lovely was that the runners really appreciated it. They were going past and applauding us and we were applauding them.”

Almost 3,500 runners have now entered the race, which takes participants through the city from the Kassam Stadium complex.

Entry to the race costs £31 per participant plus £2 registration fee. Affiliated entry is £29 per participant, plus £2 registration fee.

East Oxford’s Helen & Douglas House hospice is the run’s official charity partner for 2013.

To enter the race visit oxfordmail.co.uk/halfmarathon or oxfordhalfmarathon.com.

To find out more about the competition, email info@oxfordhalfmarathon.com.

Are you running the Oxford Half Marathon and have a story to tell? Email Emma Harrison on emma.harrison@oxfordmail.co.uk.