OLYMPIC silver medalist Steve Cram CBE has today (Thursday) officially launched this year's Worcester City 10k.

The former world record-holding athlete said he was 'delighted' the University of Worcester was on board as a new event partner and hinted some famous runners may take part in the race this September 18.

Now in its third year, the Worcester City 10k forms part of the Worcester City Run events which include Run Bike Run and the Young Athletes Run.

Last year, thousands of runners took part in the event and Jo Pavey finished first in the women's race with a fantastic time of 33mins 11secs.

And with this year's race falling during the same year as the Rio Olympics it is hoped there will be even more interest.

Mr Cram, 55, who founded the Worcester run, said: "Whenever it is an Olympic year there always seems to be a huge interest in sporting events. Even so, there is a real appetite in the area for running and I think hopefully we are talking to the council about future years and what we can keep doing to bring in things around the event.

"The event will be a couple of weeks after the Paralympics are finished so I think in terms of a sporting summer it will be a great year. I'm hoping Britain will do very well.

"We are delighted that the University is on board as one of our partners. Our goal is to continue growing the event.

"The Run Bike Run, we try and make that a little bit better. We have been listening to the people taking part in that each year to make it better.

"I think Worcester is a great city. It has got a lot to offer and it is a lovely size which means the event is right slap bang in the centre. The course is beautiful. It means everybody can come and watch. We get great support from people in the side of the road. I think that is what makes it a great event."

Starting at Croft Road, the 10k route takes in a variety of the city's best sights including the the Cathedral, Museum of Royal Worcester and River Severn.

Building on the success of the previous runs in 2014 and 2015, organisers are this year introducing new incentives to increase participation including a payback scheme for club runners.

Claire Shacklock, secretary of the Black Pear Joggers, said: "We think it is great. We have got 500 members in our club and last year I think we had about 20 to 30 of our runners help out with the race and we had over 60 running it. We think it is an amazing event."

Mayor of Worcester Councillor Roger Knight, whose daughter was taking part in the 5K run, said: "I think it is great. It is not only good for the competitors but it is great for Worcester and it is smashing to see Steve Cram back again.

"I think it brings people together and brings people into the city. I think it is an excellent sport."

He continued to praise sport in Worcester, saying the city was "very fortunate" to have so much on offer.

"We have had some wonderful sporting events here,"said Cllr Knight.

He added: "There is all sorts of stuff going on. Everything from dragon boat racing to canoeing, we have got horse racing and rugby and cricket. There is so much in the way of sport in Worcester I think we are very fortunate."

This year's events take place from 9.30am on Sunday, September 18. For more information visit worcestercityrun.com