Former Olympic track cyclist Dani Rowe took up running in 2018 after retiring from cycling but she says adapting to running was not an easy transition.

“When I was riding we weren’t allowed to do any running whatsoever, no weight-bearing but it was something I always wanted to do post-cycling career,” she said.

“I actually struggled initially with stress fractures because of having done no weight-bearing exercise with cycling, [I had a low] bone density.

“My heart and lungs were almost too strong for my bones, tendons and ligaments – which are obviously what you need for running.

“I had to go back to basics with walk-running and really build up, and in the last few years I’ve done the Manchester half and London full marathons and loved every minute.”

A mother of two, she says she was inspired to take part after watching the event with her children.

“It was just incredible, the atmosphere, I think I cried multiple times just watching people running and doing incredible things for charities,” she said.

“I’m a better person and mum through exercising and running gives me that outlet to switch off and have me time and pushing my body.

“When I run, I find that every version of myself is better.”

She is targeting a finish time of one hour and 30 minutes for her half-marathon.

“I’ve had an amazing friend who’s been trying to coach me to try to break that target on Sunday but it’s going to be tough,” she said.

“I’ve had such a busy lead-up I couldn’t have done any more so I’ll have to be pleased with whatever it is when I cross the finish line.”