Half Marathon Runners to get help from Olympic Star Steve Cram

Runners planning to take part in the 19th annual Reebok Bristol Half Marathon on September 9th 2007 are to get extra help and advice from former World record holder and Olympic silver medallist Steve Cram MBE.

The race is one of the biggest and best half marathons in the UK, now attracting some 15,000 runners. Places for the open race at this year's event were all taken up within a record breaking six weeks of public entries being invited.

Steve Cram has confirmed that he will be taking part in the race - and will also be one of the guest panellists at the second Reebok Workshop for participants this SUNDAY (June 17th).

He will join former international long distance runner Tim Hutchings; UK Athletics' Technical Director Alan Storey and elite coach and 'running guru'
Bud Baldaro at the workshop - hosted by Bitton Road Runners at the Old Abbottonians FC ground, Castle Road, Oldland Common. (further directions online at www.bittonroadrunners.co.uk)

The session, from 12noon to 4pm, starts with runs for juniors aged 7 to 17 and a selection of different distance training sessions for senior runners planning to take part in the half marathon. These will be followed at 1.30pm by an advice and Question & Answer session with the guest panel of experts on the subject of 'how far do you need to run'. There will be a free draw for everyone attending the workshop and the winner will receive a pair of Reebok Premier Series running shoes.

The Reebok Workshops are free and runners are welcome to attend all, or part of each session. For those who don't feel fit enough to take part in the runs, there will also be an opportunity to consult the team from the University of Bristol's Centre for Sport, Exercise  and Health.

Speaking to the official race website - www.bristolhalfmarathon.com - Steve Cram said:
"Having taken part in 2003, 2004 and 2005, I know the Reebok Bristol Half Marathon is now one of the best road races in the country - with a very high standard of organisation.  So after a year off due to work commitments, I am delighted to again be able to run in Bristol in 2007 and will be looking to improve on my time.

" I wish all those taking part the very best, whether you are running for a winning place, a personal best, for charity or for your own health and fitness or perhaps all of these!

" I hope your training goes well, and I look forward to seeing you again at this summer's Reebok Workshops and of course - on race day."

For further information about the Reebok Bristol Half Marathon visit the website - www.bristolhalfmarathon.com

Ends

Press release issued: June 12 2007