James Cracknell and the organisers of Cheltenham’s Half Marathon, Run Joy Ltd, will be in the town next week with the aim of getting more people active.

The double gold medal Olympic rowing champion will be visiting a number of important sporting and charity establishments during his two-day visit on Wednesday and Thursday of next week, celebrating the quality partnership ties the event has established with local businesses and organisations.

“I am really excited to be heading to Cheltenham,” Cracknell said. “It’s a beautiful town where people are passionate about staying active and fit and encourage others to be the same.

“I’m thrilled we’re able to continue Cheltenham’s Half Marathon for the region, for all the keen runners, charities and organisations who benefit from the event.

“We’re working really hard this year on developing the event further, creating something that the town and the region can be proud of.”

Following the positive feedback of last year’s event, Cheltenham’s Half Marathon route will remain largely the same for 2018 – the race takes place on Sunday 30th September – and will continue to take in the beautiful sights and regency splendour of the town centre and Lansdown before heading back towards leafy Pittville along the Honeybourne Line, before returning to the host venue, Cheltenham Racecourse.

A spokesman for Cheltenham Racecourse said: “The Cheltenham Half Marathon is an annual event that is set to attract 5,000 runners and at least double the number of spectators this year, with many running for their chosen charities.

“It is great to be able to work with the team and bring this event to Cheltenham. We are working closely with RunJoy to help with the continued improvement to traffic management and ensure that all runners taking part in the event have an amazing time at the venue.”

First stop on Cracknell’s tour of the region next week will see him meet and greet some of the most dedicated and inspirational runners at Cheltenham’s local hospice charity Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court.

The following day will see him visit Brockworth Primary School before meeting with representatives from Macmillan Cancer Support.

He will also be presenting Parkrun Cheltenham with a £500 cheque from the half marathon’s community fund to help towards vital equipment that they need to keep their initiative going.