RUNNERS have received expert advice from an Olympian as they prepared to take on the Oxford Vitality Half Marathon next month.

Fundraisers taking part in the 13.1-mile race met world and Olympic track cycling champion – and now professional jockey – Victoria Pendleton to get advice and inspiration for the run on October 11.

On Sunday, Ms Pendleton visited the Sir Roger Bannister running track in Iffley Road, Oxford, where Sir Roger became the first man to break the four-minute mile in 1954.

The Oxfordshire resident then met members of team Sport For Good, which is raising cash for the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation.

The charity uses sport as a tool to change the lives of young people in the UK and around the world.

Ms Pendleton said: “I had a great day meeting and speaking with these inspirational runners who are gearing up for the half marathon next month.

“With all funds raised through their efforts going directly to Laureus, these participants are really bringing the Sport for Good message to life.

“I’ve been privileged enough to see first-hand the incredible work done around the world by Laureus, using sport as a tool to empower young people and giving them an opportunity to pave their own path in life.”

Gabriella Blazewicz, a 25-year-old doctor working in Oxford, was one of those at the session.

She said: “ I am training for the Bath to Bristol Marathon and I am using the Oxford Half as a training run. I came to the Laureus #TeamSportforGood training day with Victoria Pendleton to see if I can get any tips on how to better my training and in particular nutrition.

“My top tip that I have taken away is to ‘run on an empty stomach in the morning’.

“I am a really busy person with work, so when I have done a morning run I have felt energised all of the day and this must be due to using the fuelled fats. So it is a case of making time, I think, due to the benefits of running in the morning.

“The Oxford Half is my fourth half-marathon and I do not want to say a time, as once you add in a time it becomes quite stressful.

“I was really pleased I came as I have taken some great tips to help my training and what a great location.”

In its fifth year, the event will start and finish for the first time in St Giles.

Organisers hope the route changes from the Kassam Stadium to St Giles will allow more people to appreciate Oxford’s historic buildings and tourist sights.