IF you’re in need of a boost heading into the final three miles of Sunday’s half marathon, stalwart volunteers Dave and Nina Sharland will be on hand with refreshments on the A419.

For the past 10 years, since they answered a call for volunteers from former race sponsors Nationwide, Dave and Nina Sharland have provided the first and last water station at the Swindon Half Marathon.

As runners themselves, Dave, 68, and Nina, 54, wanted to give something back to the sport after years of benefitting from the selfless volunteering of others.

“We feel we are both giving something back. We have both been runners and races don’t get run without volunteers,” said Dave, who has completed eight half marathons.

“That’s why Swindon Half Marathon failed in the first place. It needs a lot of volunteers to do it .”

With their Meadow Way home, tucked away on one of the bends east of the A419 underpass, on the race route, the Sharlands’ refreshment stand has gone from strength to strength.

It has changed greatly over the past decade, with the introduction of live music, jelly babies and even St John Ambulance in the front garden.

The relationship with race organisers has also developed, with a clockwork delivery of tables and dustbins to the house on Saturday, before the water and portable toilets arrive on the Sunday.

However, the married couple are helped by a team of friends, made up of runners, neighbours and Swindon College Old Boys Rugby players.

“We make the most of it. We have a good laugh. We enjoy it and we have learnt people’s faces,” said Dave.

“It’s a great day. We always have the music on. The wife gets up early to do all the butties and sandwiches.

“It’s a part of Swindon and one of the only community things Swindon does. It’s one of the last things left.”

When British Heart Foundation pulled the plug on its sponsorship of the event, there were nervous times for the Sharlands, given the tradition they have established.

But they were delighted to hear SEQOL had stepped in when it did.

The station is officially available at miles three and 10 of the race.

Dave said this is an important period in the run for the competitors, who acknowledge the hard work put in by the Sharlands and their friends.

“We get a lot of thanks and a lot of applause. The runners recognise the work we do, which is really nice.”

Entry for the Swindon Half Marathon is still available - visit: swindonhalfmarathon.org.uk