Boris Johnson has sent a video message of encouragement for all those taking part in this year's Hillingdon Half Marathon .

The 21km half marathon will kick off at 9am on Easter Monday (March 28), as well as a new additional shorter 10km shortly after, at Brunel University 's Uxbridge campus.

The Mayor of London and Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP apologised for not being able to attend and said he'll "be there in spirit".

He said: "Give it all you've got, give them hell and good luck with the Hillingdon Half Marathon".

Nearly 600 people are expected to be at the startling line for this year's race, including Pardip Singh Minhas, who will take on the challenge dressed in an over-sized crocodile costume, while pushing his son's pram , to raise money for Revitalise.

Runners set off at the Hillingdon Half Marathon in 2015 © Mark Easton

James Shipley, race director, said: "We are very excited about the Hillingdon Half Marathon on Monday.

"This year we have an exciting new course for the half marathon, a new 10K race, a fantastic sponsor in Bird & Lovibond Solicitors plus an endorsement from Boris Johnson!

"It's going to be fantastic to see so many local athletes supporting the race and running off those post Easter chocolates."

READ MORE: West London marathons, half marathons and 10k road races in 2016

If you're running the race for a particular cause, or would like to share your Hillingdon Half Marathon story, email katherine.clementine@trinitymirror.com