DOUBLE Olympian Liz Yelling and actress and comedienne Debra Stephenson will be at Poole Park’s premier sporting event on Sunday, it has been confirmed.

The pair are set to join Borough of Poole sports and recreation portfolio holder Judy Butt, who will officially start each race at Poole’s Festival of Running.

One of the hot favourites for the main 10km title is Kenyan cross country champion Peter Emase.

The 18-year-old African has chosen Poole as his first competitive UK race venue.

With just days to go, event organisers have revealed the 10km event is almost full, with 1,060 athletes Meanwhile, 230 runners will take the start in the ‘Born to Run’ 5km fun run earlier in the day.

There are still places available on the children’s minithon races. Participants can be registered either on Saturday at the main Poole Park marquee, 12-3pm, or on race day morning.

Poole’s annual Festival of Running has grown into a firm favourite with serious athletes and fun-runners alike, while raising thousands of pounds for charity.

This year proceeds go towards Poole Hospital’s charity maternity appeal.

New mum Karen Hollocks said: “Our son was born in St Mary’s Maternity Hospital last June.

“The care we received was fantastic and the staff – from cleaners to consultants – couldn’t do enough for us, so we wanted to do something ourselves to say thank you.

“My partner and I are both taking part in the 10k and our baby boy will be cheering us on from the sidelines with his grandparents.”

As well as the races, the park will be packed with other attractions throughout Sunday race day.

Event organiser Jane Jones said: “We’ve had a tremendous response for so many different attractions wanting a stall.

“Everything from specialist foods such as paella and sushi, to kid’s rides and inflatables, face-painting and wacky wagons offering smoothies.

“This has been incredible with so many different people pitches wanting a piece of the action.

“The people of Poole are certain to have a fantastic day out with something on offer for every conceivable taste.”

'I love watching the kids' races'

Liz Yelling said: “The Poole Festival of Running is a great opportunity for everyone to get active. The 10k gives regular runners a chance to test their fitness and novice runners the opportunity to run further than before.

“The 5k is great for first timers and every year I love watching the kids’ races. I’ll be there starting them off and am excited about being part of the day.

“There’s something for everyone. It is local and Poole Park is a brilliant venue.

“Come along and join in.”

And Debra Stephenson said: “I’m really pleased to be able to go down and support the event.

“I love being a local, so it is important to me to support local charities and worthwhile causes.

“It will be a fun day out with lots for the kids. My two are running so it will be a great family day out.”