Christian Weikert-Picker has every reason to be optimistic. Only weeks away from the 2008 Leicester Marathon, the event’s Race Director is looking forward to a bright future for one of the city’s newest dates in the sporting diary.

“This year’s race promises to be even better. We are now wheelchair friendly, after having developed a completely different route. There is also room for the course to expand and accommodate even more runners in the coming years. By 2012, we aim to have 10,000 people participating.”

It’s all a far cry from the past couple of decades, which sadly saw the event confined to the outskirts of Leicestershire.

“We knew that it was essential to move the race back in to the city and in the blink of an eye I was asked to be the Race Director, which is a great honour, especially given my passion for running.” Weikert-Picker, who alongside his position as Race Director is a Community Fundraiser for Loros, clearly cares about his role thanks to a lifelong love-affair with the sport.

“I’ve had a real passion for running since the age of nine. When the marathon was established back in 2000, it took place in the county, with few involved. The first year saw Children in Need as the associated charity, but as Loros became involved, so did I.”

He added: “Twenty-odd years ago the Leicester Marathon was known as the Leicester Charities Race. In a short space of time we’ve turned the focus back to the charities and whilst everyone is gearing towards 2012, we hope the Leicester Marathon will leave a legacy beyond then.”

Last year certainly saw evidence of the progress made by his team.

“We raised just over £10,000 for Loros at last year’s event and we’re aiming to have more runners involved this year, with £30,000 the target to be split between the charities.”

Loros, Rainbows and St. John’s Ambulance are the supported charities of this year’s race, with Christian keen for people to dig deep for the charity of their choice.

“The race is open, so people can raise money for any charity that they wish. Obviously, I am keen for runners to fundraise for the supported charities, but any donations to worthy charities are a step in the right direction.”

Just entering would be an example of that, but the experienced runner is keen to point out that taking part shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“A marathon is physically challenging, there’s no escaping that and you do need a basic level of fitness at least. Having said that, some people do have the ability to simply pick a pace and stick relentlessly to that, ensuring that they finish well.”

The 2007 Leicester Marathon saw some familiar faces from Leicestershire sport take part and Weikert-Picker is grateful for their involvement.

“Chris Pyatt and Tim Boon took part in last year’s marathon and Freddie Tuilagi is a patron for Loros, so he’ll be involved this year, which is a fantastic example to set to people.”

Regrettably, Christian’s role means he’ll be a very busy spectator, but will make up for that by training and taking part in the London Marathon.

“I completed a sixteen-week schedule of training for last year’s marathon, but unfortunately as I’m heavily involved in the organisation committee this year, I’m not able to take part.”

There is, however, a genuine feeling associated with the Leicester Marathon that the event will soon be an integral part of the community, with the potential to involve younger age groups currently being discussed.

“We’ve put together a five-year plan to improve the event and next year we are aiming to introduce a children’s race to the programme. We want the local community to be proud of Leicester and to ultimately be proud of their marathon. Leicester is a diverse city and we hope that the marathon will illustrate another way of bringing the community together, as one, to enjoy this great event.”

How does Christian hope to deal with the expected increase in participants and spectators?

“We’re hoping to be teaming up with some of the 1500 volunteers from the Special Olympics, which will also be a wonderful event for this city to be staging.”

For more information visit www.leicestermarathon.org.uk