A 400-runner field has been set for Saturday’s Roanoke Canal Trail Half Marathon.

Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said the field not only represents the United States and Canada, but the United Kingdom as well.

The U.S. field represents runners from Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Wyoming and North Carolina.

“This is exciting,” Simeon said. “It truly makes this an international event.”

Simeon said the race has become popular because of the scenic trail on which the race is run as well as the growing popularity of trail running.

The race, which is put on by Tar River Running and supported by the city and county tourism, starts at 8 a.m. at the Lake Park in Roanoke Rapids.

It begins with a staggered start and traverses 13.1 miles to aqueduct in Weldon and back to the Lake Park.

An 8K race begins at 8:30 a.m.

The runners will cross the Jackson Street Extension and Roanoke Avenue as well as River Road and Simeon advises staying away from those areas because of the congestion.

The race generally generates about $1,500 for the Canal Commission, Simeon said. That money has been used to repair the bridge in Weldon that runners will cross. The money can also be used for repairing washed out areas, placing dirt or crush and run.

In addition to medals, runners will receive Canal Trail and Museum memorabilia.