Robin Hood and his merry men launch the 2013 Ikano Robin Hood Marathon, Half Marathon and Mini Marathon.

The Ikano Robin Hood Marathon, Half Marathon and Mini Marathon which will be taking place on 29 September 2013, were officially launched yesterday by Robin Hood himself in the Old Market Square, Nottingham. With his merry men and Maid Marian in tow, Robin Hood gathered the masses to celebrate the launch and test their sprinting talents and competitive spirit.

In fact, over 200 runners, of all ages, congregated yesterday afternoon in the beautiful sunshine to be amongst the first to sign up for the 2013 race. Voted as one of the fastest half marathons in the country in 2012, the launch event was also a chance for participants to beat the speed camera and be up for the chance to win a bumper prize package of sporting goodies.

Set to a secret target time chosen by the Sheriff of Nottingham herself, participants were tested to sprint as fast as possible towards the finishing line. It was a sight to behold as the competitive adults took to the track, along with children of all ages testing their speedy footwork against their parents, teachers and even Maid Marian!

Triumphant on the day was Josh Medland, aged 19, who crossed the line in 6 seconds 78. Josh will be rewarded with entry to the Ikano Robin Hood Half Marathon, the 2013 race number, a £50 Sweatshop voucher, a pair of New Balance 1080 V2 running shoes, a Full Potential Training plan and a personalised gait analysis through the Sweatshop Nottingham store.

Damian Shaw, aged 9, led the way for the children sprinting a time of 8 seconds 54, as chosen again by the Sheriff. Damian and his family have been invited to join the 2013 Ikano Robin Hood Mini Marathon.

Organisers of yesterday’s event, Sweatshop, also welcomed last year's winners of the Ikano Robin Hood Mini Marathon T-shirt Design Competition. John Clifford Primary School children and teachers attended in force, raring to enter the 2013 winning t-shirt design.  John Clifford was last year awarded with a trophy and £100 donation towards school equipment.

Dan Joy, Commercial Director of Ikano comments: "We are proud to be supporting the event again this year as headline sponsor and look forward to welcoming the local community to race day on 29 September. It was fantastic to see so much excitement around the history of Nottingham and our heroic outlaw, Robin Hood. It will be an exciting challenge to set a new record for the largest number of Robin Hoods running a half marathon. I hope you'll join us!"

Nick Pearson from Sweatshop, organisers of the event announced the return of the Marathon; "We would like to express our thanks to our headline sponsors, Ikano whose support makes this event happen. I would also like to make a point of thanking Nottingham City Council, they have worked incredibly hard to facilitate this event, we couldn't have resurrected the Marathon without their total support and it demonstrates their absolute commitment to bringing top class and community sporting events to the City of Nottingham.  The return of the Marathon to the City further helps us create an iconic event that brings together the local community  and visitors to the city. We are indebted to the City Council for their support."

Sweatshop confirms that the Half Marathon course is ideal for beginners as well as faster runners looking for a personal best. Entry fees remain unchanged at £27.75 for UKA affiliated club runners and £29.75 for all other runners, including a medal and a goody bag at the finish. The Marathon fees are £36 for UKA affiliated club runners and £38 for all other runners, including a medal and a goody bag at the finish.

Registration is now open. Go to www.robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk for more information about the Ikano Robin Hood Marathon and Half Marathon 2013 and to secure your place in this iconic race, and like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/RobinHoodMarathonandHalfMarathon