Former Leicester Tigers prop Matt Hampson has added his backing to this year’s Leicester Marathon to inspire runners, volunteers and spectators to get involved.

The fourth race since the marathon returned to Leicester in 2007, following a 20 year absence, takes place in the City on October 10th. Starting and finishing at Victoria Park, the course takes a varied and scenic route through the centre of Leicester, then out to the north of the city along the River Soar towards Syston.

Matt, who was paralysed during a training session with the England Under 21 squad in 2005, will be leading by example, taking part in the race’s Freeth Cartwright Corporate Relay Challenge in his wheelchair. Local businesses and organisations are encouraged to take part and go the distance in relay teams of four.

The Matt Hampson Trust, which raises money for spinal care and research, is one of the marathon’s official charities. For more information visit www.matthampson.co.uk

Another marathon charity is Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice and Soar Media partners, LOROS. After 2,800 entries last year, Race Director, Christian Weikert-Picker, of LOROS is hoping to see at least 3,500 people pounding the streets.

Christian spoke to Soar Magazine in 2009 about his vision for the marathon.

“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.

“We’ve put together a five-year plan to improve the event. 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.”

Soar chatted to Christian in more detail ahead of last year’s marathon. Click here to read the full interview.

For further information or to get involved in the marathon visit www.leicestermarathon.org.uk. For more information about the Corporate Relay contact Sally.Stephens@freethcartwright.co.uk.