AN athletics legend has chosen Worcester to spearhead a run and cycle challenge aimed at harnessing the spirit of the London 2012 Olympics.

Steve Cram says the Faithful City is the perfect place to launch the day long event in September, featuring a 10 kilometre run and a 'Run Bike Run' challenge.

Similar events are expected to feature at more of the UK's most picturesque and historical cities at later dates, but Worcester is leading the way.

“As everybody knows, I am hugely passionate about sport and the benefits that regular participation has for children and adults alike," said Cram, who is now a BBC athletics commentator.

"One of the easiest ways of getting people active is to offer accessible, exciting and challenging events for them to take part in, which is exactly why we created the Worcester City Races.

“Worcester is the first in a series we hope to roll out nationally.

"It is a fantastic, historic city which we're really looking forward to being the backdrop for the races on September 21."

The Olympic champion said he hoped the Run Bike Run challenge would encourage companies "keen to promote healthy and active lifestyles".

Your Worcester News is sponsoring the event which takes place on Sunday, September 21.

It features a circular course which will allow both individuals and teams to tackle the 50K route.

Both events will finish on Worcester Racecourse, and will feature prize money for the top three finishers in male and female categories.

Worcester City Young Athletes Runs will also be held over a one mile course for those under the age of 11. A slightly longer course is available for those aged between 11 and 15 years.

“As everybody knows, I am hugely passionate about sport and the benefits that regular participation has for children and adults alike," said Cram, who is best known for his on-track rivalry with Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett in the 1980s.

"One of the easiest ways of getting people active is to offer accessible, exciting and challenging events for them to take part in, which is exactly why we created the Worcester City Races.

“Worcester is the first in a series we hope to roll out nationally. It is a fantastic, historic city which we're really looking forward to being the backdrop for the races."

It is hoped the Worcester event will raise thousands of pounds for charities locally and around the UK. Cram’s own children’s charity, COCO (Comrades of Children Overseas), represents the official charity partner.

Anyone wishing to enter any of the races can do so by visiting worcestercityrun.com

Entrants can also gain training tips to help with preparation by visiting Facebook.com/worcestercityrun or following @Worcesterrun on Twitter.