FORMER 1500m world champion Steve Cram paid a visit to youngsters at a Worcester school to encourage them to get active through running.
Cram, who has also been an Olympic silver medal winner and multiple world record holder, spoke to children at St Barnabas Church of England Primary School, sharing stories from his athletics career and answering questions.
He made the visit after hearing up to 150 aspiring young runners from the school are planning to take part in events at this year’s Worcester City Runs on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15.
Steve Cram, BBC TV’s lead athletics commentator, is the founder of the Worcester City Runs, which will return to the city alongside the half marathon and 10k in September.
The two-day event includes Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track scheme, and the Young Athletes Runs for under 11s and under 15s.
This year, the school hopes up to 150 children will tackle the one-mile run for under 11s on Sunday, September 15, and 30 family groups will also participate in Families on Track the day before.
Sarah Hanson, head teacher of St Barnabas CE Primary said: “The ripple effect of having a visit from Olympian Steve Cram will go on for years to come.
“Our children and adults were inspired and motivated by his visit and are now raring to go.”
Steve Cram added: “It was great to meet the children and talk to them about the importance of getting active, and how running is such an easy way to do that.
“Over the years, the Worcester City Run’s junior events have grown significantly, and adding Families on Track to the programme a few years ago means that the whole family can participate over the weekend.
“It will be brilliant to see so many pupils from St Barnabas line up in September and I hope that my visit encouraged them to keep up their running between now and then.”
Visit www.worcestercityrun.com to book a place on the Worcester City Run.
