CHARITY Meningitis UK is appealing to athletes in West Devon to fight the festive flab in the New Year by running in March's Bath Half Marathon. General public entries are now full but they have a few places available in its Meningitis Musketeers team for the 13-mile event on March 11, 2012.

Full support will be given and everyone who participates will receive a free Search 4 a Vaccine running vest or T-shirt, and an information pack.

Liz Gough, events fundraiser for Meningitis UK, said: 'Everyone who runs for Meningitis UK will be part of the Meningitis Musketeers team, with the motto 'All 4 One and One 4 All' – to highlight the devastating fact that meningitis can kill in under four hours and the importance of our Search 4 a Vaccine campaign.

'Meningitis UK has a single focus - to find a vaccine to eradicate all forms of meningitis. Tragically, meningitis and septicaemia continue to affect thousands of people in the UK every year and kill more children under five than any other infectious disease. Because it can kill in under four hours and the symptoms are notoriously difficult to spot, we believe a preventative vaccine is the only way to spare people this heartache.'

If you would like to take part in the Bath Half Marathon with the charity contact Liz on 0117 303 33 43 or email [email protected]">[email protected] for an application.