WITH the Oxford Half Marathon less than a month away, runners are being given some extra motivation by Olympic legend Sir Steve Redgrave.

The five-times gold medallist will host a fitness training session tomorrow for fundraisers for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation at the Iffley Road track.

Sir Steve, who promotes the foundation’s work, will give training, injury and nutrition advice to those running for the foundation, which aims to help young people overcome the challenges posed by issues such as poverty, aids, homelessness and war across the world.He will then host a training session on the track where Sir Roger Bannister became the first man to break the four-minute mile barrier, in 1954.

Simon Hodkin, from Steeple Aston, and Frances Alcock, from Amersham in Buckinghamshire, were chosen to be the ‘faces’ of the marathon to blog about their involvement in the run-up to the event. They will also be taking part tomorrow.

Sir Steve said: “I am delighted to do what I can to help the Laureus team of runners prepare for their big challenge in the Oxford Half Marathon.

“I look forward to coming along and meeting the team who are stepping up to the plate and raising funds to help young people facing harsh social challenges.

“Although I am not a runner I understand long distance running is as much about mental approach as physical, so I hope I will be able to help in some way by passing on a few tips.

“I am looking forward to meeting some inspirational people who have put others before themselves by taking up this challenge.”

 

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