ONE of the city's biggest events will go ahead this year after being cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After an enforced break due to the pandemic in 2020, the Worcester City Run will return to the heart of Worcester on the weekend of September 4 and 5 this year.

Every year, thousands of runners descend on the city taking part in the race, with many raising money for charity in the process.

The popular Worcester half marathon, 10K and Young Athletes Run will be joined on the weekend in September by Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track initiative.

The organisers of the Air Products Worcester City Runs have also announced that Worcestershire Ambassadors will be the official charity partner for the 2021 event.

The partnership is intended to help raise much needed funds to support local people as they deal with some of the ongoing challenges presented by the coronavirus.

All of the funds raised by Worcestershire Ambassadors will be donated to Worcester Community Trust, to provide professional support and activities that build good mental health and well-being in the local population.

Julia Williams, chair of the Worcestershire Ambassadors, said: “As well as promoting the county as a great place to live, work, invest, visit and do business, one of our core aims is to play an active role in our community, by supporting local good causes and charities. The last 18 months have been extremely challenging, firstly due to the floods, and secondly due to Covid-19 and a number of individuals across Worcestershire have been brave enough to share how these things have impacted their mental health.

“With this in mind, we have built our Walk the Walk campaign for 2021 to promote good health and mental wellbeing and we are delighted to now be partnered with Air Products Worcester City Runs to grow our campaign and to raise money for Worcester Community Trust who will invest funds into mental health projects to support individuals across our county.”

Ruth Heywood, CEO of Worcester Community Trust, said: “Worcester Community Trust is thrilled to be a part of one of the best events to come to Worcester. Our charity thrives on bringing people together and supporting people through challenges they may be facing.

"Over the past 12 months, the Coronvirus pandemic has made this particularly difficult, which has impacted on the mental health and wellbeing of so many of our residents. WCT will be focusing on delivering services for local people to access to support them through the recovery phase and any funds raised through the Air Products Worcester City Runs will be dedicated to hosting mental health first aid and Moodmaster courses. I am looking forward to getting my running trainers on and doing my bit too!”

To find out more visit worcestershireambassadors.com/walkthewalk2021-2/walkthewalk2021-3