A TEAM of pace runners will be helping athletes from across the county to beat their personal bests at this year’s St Michael's Hospice RUN Hereford event.

Managing Director of Easy Garage, Darren Gibbons has sponsored brightly coloured t-shirts and organised the ‘rabbit runners’ for the half marathon and 10k road races on Sunday, May 10.

Gibbons, who has paced The Great North Run amongst others, will be wearing the two-hour t-shirt for the Half Marathon.

“Runners love pacers because they know exactly when they're going to finish,” said Gibbons.

“This means it's vital that pacers know how to run a constant and accurate time throughout the whole race.”

RUN Hereford Director Matt Ashcroft said: “We are thrilled that Easy Garage is supporting the event.

“Their involvement is going to make the day much more rewarding for the finishers.

“By dropping in behind a pacer means runners will have one less thing to worry about, giving them a much better chance of completing the course in their target time.”

Darren's wife and business partner Beth Gibbons will also be taking part in the event when she takes on the challenge of completing her first half marathon in memory of her mum and dad who both needed hospice care at the end of their lives.

Beth said: “Both Darren and I have witnessed the amazing care provided by staff at St Michael's Hospice.

“In 2017, Darren helped to raise over £5,000 for St Michael's so I thought it was time I also supported a much-loved local charity.”

Runners can sign up for all the RUN Hereford events at www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk

Those taking part in the half marathon will benefit from 1.30, 1.45, 2.00, 2.15 and 2.30 pacers, while the 10k will have runners pacing 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60-minute times.