Hugh Porter in call for marathon riders and runners

Former world cycling champion Hugh Porter has called for people to get into the Olympic spirit and sign up for this year's Wolverhampton Marathon events.

Mr Porter, aged 72, has confirmed that he will be in the 19.4km cycle ride once again this year.

Other confirmed riders include Wolves legend Steve Bull and Henry Carver, owner of the event's main sponsor Carvers Building Supplies.

And members of the newly-formed West Park Stroke Cycling Group will take part for the first time.

The number of entrants is, so far, down on last year but organisers still expect a 2,000 strong turn out for the full and half marathons, relay and 19.4km cycle ride on Sunday, September 2.

Mr Porter, who won his four world titles in the individual pursuit and is now a commentator on cycling events for the BBC, encouraged everybody to come out and take part in the bike ride.

He said: "It's always been my goal to get 1,000 in the ride. You don't have to be a Bradley Wiggins or Victoria Pendleton to take part."

Despite being long-retired from full-training, Mr Porter said he had come about 20th in last year's cycle with a time of 37 minutes.

Mr Porter, of Tettenhall, said: "I still try and get out three times a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. But I haven't been able to get out quite as much as I would have liked this year because of commentating on the Olympics."

So far, there have been 1,269 entrants to the four marathon events, down from 1,590 last year. Chairman of the marathon committee Mary Harding said she believed numbers would pick up, especially as people will still be able to sign up in West Park the day before the event, from 10am. She said the lower number of entrants could be down to the bad summer weather putting people off training.

Mrs Harding said: "These events are providing something for everyone. If they can't do the half-marathon, they can take part in a five-person relay team that covers the same distance."

This year's event is in aid of charities such as Penn Hall school, Wolves Community Trust and the Mayoral Charity Fund. Visit www.wolver hamptoncitymarathonevents.co.uk