A FORMER winner has offered her top tips for tackling the Worcester City 10K.

One of Worcester’s brightest young sports stars, Jenny Nesbitt is encouraging residents to sign up for the 10K.

Ms Nesbitt, who won the inaugural 10K in 2014, has just competed in the World University Games in Taipei and will be lining up on the start line in Worcester.

She said: "The Worcester City 10K is a great race.

"The course is fast and flat and takes in the best bits of Worcester.

"I am very lucky to have competed in the race a few times, and until this year, my 10K personal best was set at the event - hopefully, I can come back this year and beat it.

“I have some very special memories of the Worcester City 10K and it sparked my enthusiasm for the distance when I first raced in 2014.

"Beating a world record holder [Paula Radcliffe] made me believe that I could challenge at the distance. Whatever your goals are, I believe that if you go in with a positive attitude and run sensibly, you will come out with a great result.

“I train a lot around Worcester, but there is something very special about racing when the roads are closed and the crowds are five or six people deep.

"Starting under the railway bridge before zooming off over the river is great.

"My favourite part of the course has to be coming down onto the river and running towards the new bridge before coming back along the other side. "You know that you haven't got far to go, and you can start picking up the pace."

This year’s Worcester City Run events also include a half marathon for the first time, and the Young Athletes Run, and are delivered through a partnership between Worcester City Council and Events of the North.

Ms Nesbitt's tips include reaching the start area at least half an hour before the race, to work out where the toilets are and to make sure runners have their race number pinned on.

Other advice she offers says to not worry about being stuck behind people or in a group going too fast as the start is divided into sections based on estimated finish times.

She also added that it is better to start a bit slowly and to go faster towards the end, and reassured runners that the course is mainly flat, and that the most important thing is to enjoy it.

The Worcester City 10K costs £27 for unaffiliated athletes and £25 for affiliated runners.

Places on the Worcester City Half Marathon cost £35 for unaffiliated athletes and £33 for affiliated runners, whilst places on the Young Athletes Run, one mile for under 11s and 3k for under 16s, cost £8.

For more information about the races and to sign up, visit www.worcestercityrun.com