ONE OF the country’s most successful long-distance runners is set to make her comeback at the Worcester City 10k this September.
Paula Radcliffe, who is the marathon world record holder, will pound the streets of the city on September 21, her first competitive race in more than two years.
The event, which was set up by former British Olympian Steve Cram, will see Radcliffe lead out a field of professional and amateur runners from Worcester Racecourse before tackling the city course.
It will be the first time the 40-year-old, a World and European Championship gold medallist, has run competitively since undergoing surgery on her foot following her appearance in the Vienna half marathon in 2012.
The current women’s road 10k world record holder said she will also use the race as a stepping stone towards next year’s London Marathon where she is set to finish her glittering career.
“I am really looking forward to running in Worcester,” she said. “My goal is to run the London Marathon and the Worcester City 10k will give me a great chance to see how my fitness is developing.
“Steve Cram has told me it’s a very scenic route and these days I am always happy to be sharing the course with so many others.”
Radcliffe also revealed her seven-year-old daughter Isla will compete in the Worcester City Young Athletes Run, which takes place on the same day.
She will run the one-mile course alongside a number of other promising athletes under the age of 11, while there will be a 3k race for athletes aged between 11 and 15.
Cram, whose company Events of the North will deliver the event, which will also feature a 50k run-bike-run race, said he was delighted to have Radcliffe on board as he looks to harness the spirit of the London 2012 Games.
“To have Paula run is a huge attraction and we hope her appearance will give an added incentive to those who have not signed up yet to make sure they do,” he said.
“It promises to be a fantastic day whether your goal is to race against the clock, to beat your mates or just to finish the course, and I’d urge anyone who is unsure to go for it, sign-up and experience what will be a tremendous atmosphere.”
To enter the event or for more information visit www.worcestercityrun.com
