AN appeal has been launched to help set a new world record for the biggest gathering of runners named Jones.

Already, more than 800 athletes have signed up for the fifth Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon on Sunday, March 4 - almost 10 per cent of them called Jones.

Race organisers Always Aim High, based in Llangefni, are expecting around 2,500 runners in the three races on the day: the half marathon, Ynys M?n 10k run and one-mile children’s race.

It is hoped a world record will be set by getting as many people with the surname Jones gathered together on the start line at Menai Bridge.

Geraint Hughes from Jones Crisps said: “It struck me at last year’s Anglesey Half Marathon just how many runners with the surname Jones took part.

“There’s already been a lot of Jones signing up for the 2018 race so we thought it would be excellent to see if we can break a world record.

"As far as we can tell, there has never been an attempt at a world record for a gathering of runners called Jones.

“The main race starts at 9am, so we will be gathering people together just before then. Once the race starts, for the other runners, it will be a case of keeping up with the Joneses."

The 13-mile race starts on the Menai Suspension Bridge, then follows the coast road to Beaumaris Castle and back.

The junior runners, split into four age categories, have a one-mile dash over the bridge and through the town ending at the main race’s chequered flag.

All adults across the finish line for the half marathon and 10k run will be handed a packet of crisps.

Jones Crisps is the only crisp company based in Wales and owned by Welsh food entrepreneurs.

Always Aim High director Tim Lloyd said: “Crisps are an excellent way for runners to stoke up after a run, to help their energy levels. We’ve had a long partnership with Jones Crisps and we have seen an increase in people called Jones taking part.

“Last year saw around 2,000 runners take part, and numbers are up for the 2018 race. Already we have more than 800 entries, far ahead of this time for the last race, so we are expecting a record turnout of competitors.

“As many of those people are called Jones, it would be excellent if we can also set a world record on the day for a gathering of runners, of all ages, named Jones.

“Since we launched the event in 2013 it has been a great boost for Anglesey tourism."

Since the first half marathon event in 2013, runners have also raised thousands of pounds for charities.

For details: http://alwaysaimhighevents.com/anglesey-half-marathon/jones-crisps-anglesey-half-marathon-2018