RUNNERS can now sign up for an annual festival of running in Worcester including the popular half marathon which returns next year.

Worcester City Runs, founded by athlete Steve Cram, will return next September with special ‘early bird’ prices on offer throughout December.

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The annual runs will now take place on September 16 and 17 next year during a big weekend for events in the city, alongside Worcester Paint Festival and Worcester Music Festival.

The Worcester City Runs are being organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity.

Places are now available on the Worcester City Half Marathon, 10K and Young Athletes Run, which will all be held on Sunday, September 17.

An early bird rate price for the half marathon and 10K will be in place until the end of the year.

Founded in 2014, the Worcester City Runs attract thousands of runners and spectators to the city every September, and the half marathon, 10K and junior runs are now well-established races on the Worcester sporting calendar.

As well as leading club runners, many of the participants run to raise money for good causes, including official charity partner Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity. Funds raised by runners supports vital research, the improvement of facilities and medical equipment, and staff development and welfare.

Steve Cram, Worcester City Runs founder and race director, said: “We’re getting out of the blocks quickly for 2023 and are really excited that the Worcester City Runs will be part of a huge weekend of events in the city.

"Opening entries early will help everyone to plan ahead and we’ll be working closely with the team at Worcester City Council to deliver memorable experiences for anyone who joins us.

"The half marathon and 10K are always popular, so I recommend that people don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of the early bird price and secure their place on the start line.”

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Adrian Gregson, said: “The Worcester City Runs are great events, and I would encourage anyone who’s wondering whether to take part to get their place now.”

Places for the 2023 Worcester City Runs can be booked at www.worcestercityrun.com.

The early bird price for a place in the Worcester City Half Marathon is £33 for runners in affiliated clubs and £35 for unaffiliated runners, rising to £36/£38 from January 1.

Places on the Worcester City 10K cost £24/£26 respectively, rising to £26.50/£28.50 from 1 January. The cost of a place on the Young Athletes Run (one mile for U11s and 3K for U15s) is £8.