THIS year's Ealing Half Marathon will pay tribute to Andrew Carter, who died in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest near the finish line last year.

Mr Carter's brother James and their parents will be taking part in tomorrow’s race in his memory and hope to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Mr Carter was just 33 and a keen sportsman.

A family spokesman said: “Andrew loved his life in Ealing which had become his home over the last five years.

"He was a fit and healthy young man who typified all that is great in life. He loved all sports, especially running, swimming, and football.

"We hope that Andrew’s zest for life and spirit of generosity will inspire those running in this year’s Ealing Half Marathon which will include friends, work colleagues, and family members namely his brother James, and cousin Marina.

"We wish to endorse wholehearted support for the registered charity CRY, in order that testing can identify those at risk, and to support further research into cardiac conditions in young people who appear fit and healthy.”

Organisers of the award-winning half marathon, which starts at 9am tomorrow in Lammas Park, said all 7,000 places had been snapped up, making it a record attendance.

A field of international runners will be participating, including beginners, charity runners and club runners, 221 of whom are members of Ealing Eagles running club.

Race director Kelvin Walker said: “The start field for the 2015 race is looking strong and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of runners to Ealing.”

Kenyan Morris Gachaga of Run-Fast will be looking for a win, with Damaris Areba, Christopher Cheruiyot and Thomas Beedell among those chasing the podium in the male elite field.

Also at the start line will be Paralympian athlete Tim Prendergast, from New Zealand, who continues to inspire by sharing his own experience of overcoming disability to succeed.

In the female elite field, Kenyan Teresiah Omosa, Alice Braham, Rachel Doherty and Melissah Gibson are all strong contenders for the title.

Mr Walker is encouraging Ealing residents to line the streets this morning to support the runners.

He said: “We would like to encourage everyone to spread the Ealing feeling, which has contributed to firmly putting our borough on the map as far as high profile running events go.”

This year's event is also supporting the Alzheimer’s Society and the Alice Gross Youth Music Memorial Fund, which supports the work of national charity Youth Music.

Picture courtesy of Dan Tsantilis via Breathe Unity, with thanks