A runner who has taken part in every edition of a running festival will return for its 10th anniversary next month.
Chris Potter has lined up for a race at all of the Worcester City Run events since the first was held in 2014. He will be back on the starting line for this year’s Worcester City 10K when it returns next month.
Organised by Events of the North in partnership with Worcester City Council, the 2024 Worcester City Runs will be held on 14 and 15 September. Launched in 2014 by event founder Steve Cram, the two day annual festival of running now includes the popular Worcester City 10K and Half Marathon, Young Athletes Runs, and Paula’s Families on Track. Thousands of runners and spectators pack the streets of Worcester every year for the event, which is now well established on the city’s sporting calendar.
Many runners have taken part in the Worcester City Runs multiple times. Among the runners at the festival will be leading club athletes, fun runners, and participants who are raising money for good causes, including the event’s official charity partner, Acorns Children’s Hospice, which cares for seriously ill babies, children and young people across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire.
Retired business manager Chris Potter, 67 and from the St. peters area of Worcester, has been an ever present at the Worcester City Runs, and is passionate about the event. He ran the first Worcester City 20K in 2014 and has since completed the half marathon twice and the 10K another six times. Chris also ran in the virtual event during the pandemic in 2020 and created a race number for that. He has kept all of his race bibs and medals for completing the races.
Chris explains: “During an enforced career break in 2014, I took up running and one of the very first races I took part in was the first Worcester City 10K. I thoroughly enjoyed that first race and as it was a ‘home race’, I vowed to try and support it and help it grow. Worcester City Runs is now always one of the first events that I put into my calendar and in most cases, I plan other activities around it!
“Over the years, the event has developed into a running weekend for all, which reflects the increase in its popularity. Congratulations must go to Events of the North and Worcester City Council for consistently putting on a well organised and well supported weekend. I think the route is ideal for runners of all types, be it personal best hunters of first timers. While the finish line is always the most welcoming and favourite part of any race, I find that the crowd support around the streets is great, and the superb volunteers are always so very encouraging, all making for a truly enjoyable experience.
“These are all reasons why I keep coming back for more!”
Event founder Steve Cram adds: “From day one, the Worcester City Runs have enjoyed great support from local residents and businesses, and it’s people like Chris who have made the event such a success. We love working with Worcester City Council and many other local partners to put on the runs every year, and it’s really rewarding to hear stories like this. We look forward to seeing Chris and thousands of others line up for one of this year’s races next month.”
Places for all of the events at the 2024 Worcester City Runs can be booked at www.worcestercityrun.com.
