WORLD record holder Paula Radcliffe will be taking part in the Worcester City 10K race, it has been confirmed.

The World, European and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who also holds the women’s marathon world-record, will be leading out the field of club and fun runners setting off from Worcester City Racecourse, along a picturesque route through the city on Sunday, September 21.

The 40-year-old athlete said: “I’m really looking forward to running in Worcester. My goal is to run the London Marathon next year and the Worcester City 10K will give me a great chance to see how my fitness is developing.

“I’m told it’s a very scenic route and these days I’m always happy to be sharing the course with so many others.

“I hope to make it a real family day out as my daughter, Isla, is keen to take part in the junior event too.”

It will be the first time Radcliffe has run competitively since the Vienna half marathon in 2012 and she is planning to use her appearance at the London Marathon as a swansong to a glittering career.

The 10K race will run alongside a 50K run-bike-run event, while the Worcester City Young Athletes Run will also take place, featuring seven-year-old Isla, over a one-mile distance for those under the age of 11 and 3K for those athletes aged between 11 and 15 years old.

It was set up by fellow athletics legend Steve Cram, pictured above left, to harness the spirit of London 2012.

He said: “To have Paula run is a huge attraction and we hope her appearance will give an added incentive to those who have not signed up yet to make sure they do.

“It promises to be a fantastic day whether your goal is to race against the clock, to beat your mates or just to finish the course, and I’d urge anyone who is unsure to go for it, sign-up and experience what will be a tremendous atmosphere.”

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 21.

For more information or to enter, visit worcestercityrun.com