Hollie issues 2012 Challenge

Local GB triathlete, Hollie Avil, one of Northamptonshire's golden hopes for the London 2012 Olympic Games, has laid down a challenge to anyone thinking about taking part in the Run '10 on Sunday 3th October. With just over two years to go until the London Olympics Hollie wants at least 2012 new runners or joggers to enter the Run '10 and be a part of the Olympic legacy.

A former pupil of Campion School Hollie was only 18 years old when she represented Great Britain at the Beijing Olympics in the sport of triathlon. Now competing full-time on the international triathlon circuit, Hollie spoke about how pleased she was to see an event like the Run '10 being organised in her home county.

"Over 2,500 people took part in last years event and Run '10 is going to be even better. When London won the right to stage the greatest sports event on earth a big factor was the legacy it hoped to leave behind, more young people and adults taking part in sport and physical activity. The Run '10 is a fantastic way of people being a part of that. Joking about her own experience in her first big event Hollie said "the butterflies at the start are nothing compared to the sense of achievement at the finish line. It's all worth it"!

With high hopes of bringing a medal home to Northamptonshire from the London 2012 Olympics, Hollie started out her career in sport at local athletics and swimming clubs in Northampton before the idea of triathlon took hold. Hollie is focusing on London in just over two years time. "One thing you learn quickly in sport is that it's within everyone's capability to succeed. I would say to anyone doubting if they could get around a 5km or 10km run to give it a go and they might surprise themselves".

Participants in The Run '10 have the choice of either 5 or 10km courses starting at Sixfields Stadium in Northampton and passing by some of the town's iconic landmarks (Express Lifts, All Saints Church, the Guildhall, Market Square, Franklins Gardens). There are also a series of Children's Races. The course will be closed to traffic and organisers are hoping to create a London Marathon type atmosphere with music, artwork and dance displays along the route.

Chris Holmes, Director of Northamptonshire Sport, said "this event is for experienced runners, novice joggers and walkers alike. It's all about personal challenge, fun and perhaps the chance to raise some cash for local charities".