EHM Legacy, the CIC behind Ealing Half Marathon have revealed the first ever Ealing Half Marathon ambassadors for 2021/22.

The ambassador scheme was created following an outpouring of support when it was revealed that the race may not take place this year.

The half marathon is pencilled in to return on September 26, but its future is still hanging in the balance unless more people sign up to take park.

The popular event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic and that has left a big dent in the finances.

Rachel Job, Director of EHM Legacy, said: "We've been overwhelmed by the huge level of interest in our ambassador scheme and we can't wait for our newly appointed fantastic ambassadors to start making waves and spread the word about Ealing Half Marathon and all that we do."

One of the 10 ambassadors is Matt Peck – who made the news earlier this year after he drew Peter Crouch's outline as part of a running challenge – and he spoke to Ealing Nub News about being named an Ealing Half Marathon ambassador.

He said: "I was really excited to get the news that I had been selected as an ambassador for Ealing Half Marathon.

"Meeting the ambassador group was a real honour, with a mix of people from different backgrounds and professions.

"I wouldn't call myself an athlete, more a recreational runner (or hobbler seems more realistic these days) and I think there can be a barrier that puts people off signing up for something like a half marathon because we see images of athletic types on start lines across the country and feel that all too common imposter syndrome.

"Thus, in supporting the EHM in this role, I want to shout out to all of the 'I'm not sure I can' people out there – it is definitely possible, it's okay to walk when you want to walk, and the sense of achievement when you cross that line is second-to-none, as is the first sip of celebratory beer in the pub afterwards!

"If you're on the fence about signing up, I'd say, just go for it.

"Not only will you be supporting your own physical and mental health, and giving yourself a goal to aim for, but you'll also be supporting the EHM Legacy, which has the simple aim of ploughing any surplus funds from the race back into community projects.

"Everyone has had a rough year for sure, and money may be tight, but entering the Ealing Half Marathon is an investment in yourself, and an investment in the community.

"A double win if you ask me.

"And if you see yourself as more of a cheerer than a runner, then why not register yourself onto our volunteer roster?

"You'll gain some experience of working on a mass participation event, meet some like-minded people, and provide that additional support to our amazing runners on the day."

The 10 Ealing Half Marathon ambassadors:

• Alison Brandwood
• Helen Brennan
• Rob Bull
• Andrew Lawrence
• Matt Peck
• Jaz Sandalli
• Jags Sanghera
• Dan Sen
• Megan Swanson
• Tasha Thompson