Heroes Of Running 2010: The Winners

WHO IS YOUR RUNNING HERO? Is it the coach who introduced you to the sport that's now your passion? Or the friend who's stuck with you through stitches and cramp, rainy days, and heat waves? Or the frontrunner who sets a record whenever he toes the line? For those who've inspired, encouraged or wowed you, the term "hero" is entirely justified.

Over the past year, six individuals have become heroes to us, by accomplishing extraordinary feats or using running to improve the lives of others. There's the former army officer who overcame horrific injuries to complete the London Marathon, the 16-year-old British running sensation and the famous funnyman who ran 43 marathons in 51 days. They are the winners of our 2010 Heroes of Running Awards, sponsored by Aviva. They'll inspire, encourage and wow you, too.

Aviva is proud to be working again with Runner’s World and sponsoring the Heroes of Running Awards. The entries this year were outstanding, with so many truly inspirational stories showing what a great running nation the UK is.

Win £10,000 for your school and an elite athlete PE lesson with Aviva
Aviva have launched the Elevating Athletics fund to provide a teacher in every school in the UK – that’s over 30,000 schools - with the opportunity to attend a free athletics coaching workshop. To celebrate this we’re also offering you the chance to nominate your local school to win a £10,000 sports grant for a facility makeover, plus ten further schools will win a day with an elite athlete taking PE lessons. To enter the Aviva Elevating Athletics fund competition, visit aviva.co.uk/athletics and tell us why your school deserves to win a £10K PE makeover.