KO’D by bad weather a year ago, the annual Brass Monkey half marathon pounds into view on Sunday.

Around 2,000 runners are expected to compete in this Sunday’s event, which proves ideal preparation for the London Marathon.

Organised by York Knavesmire Harriers, the race will start on Bishopthorpe Road (York Racecourse) at 10am and then journey through the village of Bishopthorpe, on to Acaster Lane, over the airfield via Appleton Roebuck before finishing back at York Racecourse.

The expected finishers should be back for 11.05am.

The winner of the 2012 event was Yared Hagos of Wallsend Harriers, who finished in a time of one hour and six minutes ahead of Matthew Pierson, who is in this year’s field.

In the women’s race, Felicity Mason brought the field home in 1:17.00.

This year’s main challenger for the women will be Melisa Neil, a previous second in the event.

The course records are held by Paul Martelleti and Hayley Hanning with times of 1:05.21 and 1:11.46 respectively.