THE SECOND running of the Billy The Kid Dash in memory of a Royal Marine who was killed in action in Afghanistan will take place around Thurgoland village on Sunday July 5.

Relatives and friends of David Marsh, who died on March 30 2008 after an explosion in the Helmand province, have spent months organising the event after raising more than £10,000 through last year's race.

The three-and-a-half mile dash, jokingly named in reference to one of David's tattoos, starts at The Bridge Inn, Cote Lane, at 10.30am.

It is a route David followed as a teenager and one that more than 350 people ran on a cold damp Sunday morning last year.

Lifelong friend Adam Oldham, one of the race organisers, said: "We had an amazing turnout last year and we only had a few weeks to organise the entire event. This year's event will be bigger and better.

"We have had hundreds of ex-servicemen get in touch to say they will be taking part and if the weather is good we hope to double the numbers."

After the race there will be a prize giving followed by a hog roast and live music from James Worton and two local bands.

David's sister Katy said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received. Local businesses have donated some fantastic prizes and we have had the website done free. It should be a great day."

David's widow Claire and daughter Molly will be travelling over from Ireland where they now live to take part in the event.