A STAR athlete and a running shop have teamed up to help get Worcester active.

Runner Jenny Nesbitt and Runaround Sports are calling for people to sign up for the Worcester City 10k and experience the buzz of being part of a “fantastic” community event.

They hope people will get fit and healthy, make friends and have a lot of fun in the process.

Miss Nesbitt, 20, of Barbourne, who beat Paula Radcliffe to win the women’s race last year, said: “I want to encourage people to get out and start running.

“It is so nice to think that I can inspire others to take up the sport and I would love to be able to have that impact on more and more people.

“The great thing about the Worcester City 10k is that you can get involved no matter what your standard – you can run or walk – and the atmosphere will be incredible.

“It is set to get even bigger and better this year and I’m sure more people will want to get involved.”

She added that winning in 2014 was a brilliant experience and that she is eager to defend her crown.

Runaround Sports, of Deansway in Worcester, has backed Miss Nesbitt as a “great ambassador” for running in the city and is providing her with trainers, spikes and kit to assist her title challenge.

Kirk Andrews, sales manager at the shop, said: “The Worcester City 10k was such a success last year and there will be a real feel good factor this year too – it will be great for the city.

“The event is perfectly pitched for fun runners and beginners and will be a great way to encourage people to take up the sport.

“Jenny is a great ambassador for running. She is always beaming and always smiling, and we wanted to support a local, very talented athlete.”

Steve Cram, whose company Events of the North is organising the run, added:“I’ve been closely following Jenny’s progress since she won the Worcester City 10k last year and it’s been great to see the excellent strides that she has made.

“I’m delighted that Runaround Sports is now supporting Jenny and I think that reflects one of the great aspects of this event – there is a real collective community pride in hosting the 10k and supporting both the race and the runners who take part.”

The Worcester City 10k is returning to The Faithful City on Sunday, September 20, and will include the main 10km run, junior races and a 40km bike and run.

For more details visit worcestercityrun.com