Special Olympics Great Britain has been chosen as the Official Charity Partner for the British 10k London Run in 2012. The charity’s ambassadors, double Olympic Gold medallist Darren Campbell MBE, football pundit Chris Kamara, Olympic Bronze medallist Katharine Merry, and singer Heather Small formerly of M People, are all backing Special Olympics GB's goal to get 2,012 runners fundraising for the charity on 8 July 2012.

The charity aims to raise over £500k to reach out to a further 12,000 athletes in London and across the country over the next 2 years and help transform the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families.

Special Olympics GB ambassador and double Olympic Gold Medallist Darren Campbell MBE said; “The race route is absolutely fantastic – I can’t wait! The chance to run safely through the heart of the capital past all your favourite landmarks with 25,000 others who are all having a great time is truly immense. Special Olympics do some amazing work in offering sporting opportunities to people with learning disabilities so it really is a great cause to be running for.”

Organisers have also confirmed that Heather Small from M People will sing her rousing song ‘Proud’ at the start ceremony on Piccadilly to get all 25,00 runners truly inspired for their race. Runners will also receive a new high quality finishers’ medal as well as electronic chip timing and an SMS text of their finish time sent directly to their mobiles after finishing to mark this special race.

Next year’s event, promises to be the best in its history. Taking place during the Queens’ Diamond Jubilee year and just 19 days before the start of the Olympic Games, London at this time will be bustling with excitement making for a truly memorable race on a course which passes the city’s most historic and famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

The 10k race has sold out for the past six years and with the 2012 event set to be such a special occasion, interest is expected to be higher than ever.

Runners looking to secure a place in the 2012 British 10k London Run and raise money for Special Olympics Great Britain can register online.

M People & Heather Small