A MEGA marathon runner has been to check out the course ahead of the first Worcester Half Marathon.

Ben Smith, who ran a staggering 401 marathons in as many days, was in Worcester yesterday (Thursday) to sample the course before he joins runners later this year.

The inaugural Worcester City Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, September 17, alongside the established 10K and Young Athletes Run.

Mr Smith, who ran his 102nd marathon in Worcester, said: "Coming back to Worcester just over a year since I last ran here for marathon 102 has been great.

"Revisiting the course that I previously ran has brought back incredible memories and I am honoured to be supporting the Worcester City Run events.

"I’m even more excited to be taking part in the first ever Worcester City Half Marathon.

"I just wonder how many people will go the extra miles and come join me?"

He was joined on his visit by Olympic medallist Steve Cram CBE, event founder, and the pair met with Mayor of Worcester Councillor Paul Denham.

Then, they took part in the first Start Me Up For Worcester session – an initiative open to runners to help prepare them for the city run events.

Mr Cram said: "Ben is a truly inspirational person, who has transformed his own life through running, and then used his experience to do a huge amount of good work for some great causes.

"His achievement of completing 401 marathons in as many days is really hard to comprehend and it’s great to see that all of that running hasn’t deterred Ben from lacing up his trainers again.

"We’re absolutely delighted that he’s going to join us for the Worcester City Half Marathon."

Mr Smith completed the challenge during 2015 and 2016 and raised £315,000 for anti-bullying charities Kidscape and Stonewall.

He will join the ever-growing list of famous runners taking part in the Worcester City Run events – following World Championship medal winning athlete Jenny Meadows and BBC Breakfast TV presenter Louise Minchin who joined in last year.

The Worcester City Run events are delivered through a partnership between Worcester City Council and Events of the North.

To apply for a place on a future Start Me Up for Worcester training event email info@worcestercityrun.com

For more information visit worcestercityrun.com