The countdown is on! It is now just one month until the tenth anniversary celebrations for Worcester City Runs which will take place over the weekend of 14/15 September. The popular event includes 10K and Half Marathon distances as well as Junior Runs and organisers promise that the 2024 staging will be the biggest event yet.

They say: "With entries filling up fast, this is your best chance to secure your spot and get ready to run with us in Worcester. Dont wait, sign up today. With so much going on, bring the whole family, your friends or just yourself with a target time. Come and be part of 4000 runners taking part across the weekend!"

Since the first Worcester City 10K in 2014 the event has grown in popularity and size, adding a half marathon in 2017 and two junior races. The 10K and half marathon routes incorporate some of the city’s historic landmarks, including the River Severn and Worcester Cathedral, as well as the surrounding countryside.

Over 25,000 runners have participated in the events since its first year, and the total number of volunteers is nearly 1000. In addition to a Sunday full of racing, event organisers have introduced the popular Families on Track event to the schedule on Saturday. Established in 2019, Families on Track is Paula Radcliffe’s family relay event, where teams complete a 10K continuous relay.

19-year-old Worcester local Jenny Nesbitt won the inaugural Worcester City 10K in 2014, beating former world champion Paula Radcliffe over the finish line. Since this victory, she has gone on to represent her country several times, including in the Commonwealth Games. For Worcester City Runs 10th Anniversary, Jenny is returning to her home city to run the 10K, and engage in a friendly competition with friends and family.

Jenny says: “I’m thrilled to be returning to the Worcester City 10K this year. This race played a large role in the direction of my career ten years ago, when I won the first edition. It’s been fantastic to see it grow over the past decade and I can’t wait to celebrate its success with a friendly battle over the distance with my family and friends come September!”

Alongside Paula and Jenny, who returned to regain her title in 2017, the event has attracted many big names in the running world, including Tanni Grey-Thompson, Jo Pavey, Jenny Meadows and Louise Minchin. Other notable participants include Ben Smith, the charity fund-raiser who ran 401 marathons in 401 days, event organiser and running legend Steve Cram, and Councillor Adrian Gregson while he was Mayor of Worcester.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Worcester City Runs website.

Image: Worcester City Runs Facebook