RUNNERS are signing up in their hundreds for the virtual Worcester City Runs taking place at the weekend.

Following the cancellation of the popular festival of running in the centre of Worcester, due to Covid-19, the virtual event was launched in June, to raise money for charity partner, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

The virtual Worcester City Runs will include the festival’s usual half marathon and 10K distances, but runners also have the opportunity to take part over 5K and in the ‘Run Like A Legend Mile’.

Will Foster, consultant cardiologist with the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Along with colleagues, I will be running this weekend for two causes that have been so supportive of the people of Worcester during the pandemic.

“The Trussell Trust runs food banks, helping those most in need in our community, and I think that they will be needed even more than usual as the economic impact of Covid-19 continues to unfold.

“The second charity is the Worcester Acute Hospitals Charity, which supports areas that are not funded by the NHS but which many of us consider to be essential, such as providing iPads and other devices to wards to allow communications with relatives when visitors aren’t allowed.”

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A former Olympic medal holder will be stepping in to lend his support. Legendary track and field star and event founder Steve Cram said: “Of course, we’re really sad that we won’t all be able to get together in beautiful Worcester at the weekend, but we’ve had a great response to the virtual event.

“Crucially, every entry contributes to the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, which like many charities has been experiencing a very tough time in recent months, and it’s brilliant that Will and many more participants are also raising money for other good causes.”

The Air Products Worcester City Runs are delivered through a partnership between Worcester City Council and Events of the North. Anyone who wants to take part in the Virtual Worcester City Runs can register online at: worcestercityrun.com/virtual-event and, with the help of a special app, record and submit their best time for a solo run at any time from September 5-7.

If you take part, send pictures to steven.collins@newsquest.co.uk