FORMER Olympic runner Jenny Meadows said Worcester should be proud of the 10K City Run after she visited the city to inspire youngsters.
The former 800 metre World and European medalist, who retired from international track competition earlier this year, met aspiring young athletes and their families at the Worcester Woods Country Park last Wednesday (August 10).
Meadows, who competed for Team GB at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, will be lining up for the Worcester City 10k on Sunday, September 18 along with thousands of city runners and cyclists in what will be her first road race since retiring.
During her visit to the city, Jenny told the Observer she would find the 10K a challenge herself and expects to be beaten by local runners.
“I’m a little bit nervous because I think people will think she’s going to run really fast and actually it’s a really good message because even though people see me running on TV for Great Britain, I’m not really good at long distance running so obviously I will find it a challenge myself as well,” she said.
“There will be lots of people in Worcester who can actually run faster than me. I think people will think, right, let’s make sure we beat Jenny Meadows.
“For a local city 10K it’s amazing to have had some of the British greats, Jo Pavey and Paula Radcliffe, go before me which is great. I’m definitely following in illustrious footsteps.”
Jenny, who won bronze in the 800 metres at the World Championships in 2009, also hopes she will be able to inspire city residents of all ages and abilities to take part in next month’s 10k.
“Everyone can take part, no matter what your fitness level is. I think the 10k is a great distance because it allows everybody to complete it in some way shape or form.
“We will see some great times I’m sure at the front of the race, but there will be a lot of people just competing, maybe doing a little bit of running, a little bit of walking and just the personal challenge of trying to complete the 10K itself.”
Worcester City Council Leader, Coun Adrian Gregson, said: “We’ve got bigger and better every year and what having Jenny here shows that it is a serious event, we’ve got serious athletes interested in taking part, and then you’ll get a range of people who will take part.
“It’s been a really welcome edition to our sporting calendar and it shows off the city.
“People run round the city, it’s a beautiful place, some people see it who haven’t been here before, bring their families, spend money- it’s all positive stuff,” he added.
