Olympian proud of city run success

Organiser Steve Cram said giving people new opportunities to try something different was among aims of the event

An Olympian who founded a city-wide running event has said he is proud of how far it has come on its 11th anniversary.

Retired British athlete Steve Cram, who helps organise Worcester City Runs, said next month's event was "going to be bigger than ever".

"When we first started people would complain about us having to close the bridge and clear the city but now it has been completely embraced," said Cram.

Worcester will welcome about 6,000 runners for the city run on the weekend of 13 September, which includes a half marathon and 10km route.

'Incredible life'

"We are so proud of what the Worcester City Runs have become, and it's going to be bigger than ever this year," said Cram.

The former 1,500m world champion said it brought him joy to see runners of all levels find enjoyment in the event.

"Running gave me an incredible life, and it still is," he said.

"To see people from wider afield and Worcester take part [and] not just the people who run, but those who come to watch and make it such a great atmosphere.

"We love Worcester as a city and it's a beautiful place to run."

The annual families on track event will take place on Saturday 13 September.

While the Worcester City 10km and half marathon will set off on the Sunday morning, alongside the junior run at 08:45 BST.

Cram added: "This event isn't about who's running the fastest at the front, it's trying to give people an opportunity to do something perhaps they haven't done before - give them something to aim for or help change their lifestyle."