THOUSANDS are expected to turn out to pound the paths around Lydiard Park as they take part in this year’s Run2Remember.

Money raised during the run on November 8 - the day before Remembrance Sunday - will go directly to support the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, which will in turn go toward supporting members of the armed forces and their families.

Among those taking part are Ann Lewis and her family, including her partner Tom who will parachute to the event with the Jump4Heroes display team.

Ann said: “Tom served in the Armed Forces for 25 years.

“During his service he lost too many close friends.

“We are running to remember them and support the good work of the Royal British Legion.

“I wanted my children, aged 18, 12 and 11, to take part to bring to the front of their minds the sacrifices made by others to allow us the life we live today.”

Fifteen-year-old Vinnie Mills, whose father served in the Armed Forces, will be taking part in the Run2Remember for the third time.

He said: “On both occasions I took part in the 11km run, made a good time and enjoyed it. I took part because I know how much the Legion does to help soldiers and their families.

“My dad is in the Forces and my family benefited from a holiday arranged by the Legion at a difficult time in our lives, so I wanted to give something back to say thank you. Hopefully this year my dad will be joining me too.”

There will be distances of 1.1km, 5km and 11.1km available, all chosen to coincide with the significance of Remembrance Day on November 11.

Those taking part can walk, jog, march or run individually or as part of a team, and many will choose to do the course in fancy dress, poppy-laden running clothes, and even in uniforms.

The event will start after a special performance from the Military Wives Choir at 10am.

Charles Byrne, director of fundraising for the Legion, said: “Run2Remember is a fantastic event that gives people of all ages the opportunity to get behind the Poppy Appeal and show their support for the Armed Forces community. By taking part on November 8 they are not only commemorating the fallen but actively helping to support the future of the living, and right throughout the year.”

For more information or to find out how you can enter visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/run2remember.