A TWO-TIME Olympic medallist will appear at this year’s Andover Lake Run as the event returns with a modern twist.

Andover-born Kate Howey, who won a silver medal in Judo at the 2000 Olympics as well as a bronze at the 1992 games, will open the Lake Run which takes place on Sunday, September 22, at Charlton Athletics Pavilion.

The event, sponsored by the Aster Foundation, is once again being held in aid of Andover Foodbank.

In the last three years it has raised over £20,000 for the charity through entries, donations and sponsorship.

Speaking about the cause, Kate said: “I’m very honoured to be part of this day as there are more and more families in need at this time.

“I’m even more honoured because I am an Andover girl born and bred and it’s nice to give something back to the local community.”

The day will feature chipped and timed 5km and 10km races as well as a shorter fun run on the athletics track. Plus, this year’s edition will be filmed by a drone, with footage of the route having already been shared online.

Event organiser Mike Strong said: “We thought it would be quite interesting for people to see the route.

“And we’re going to film the race live so that’s going to be quite interesting as well for the younger, more technological runners.

“It’s going to be live on Facebook and it’s around a really nice part of Andover too.”

The run will begin at Charlton Athletics Pavilion and take participants around Charlton Lakes, before heading into Anton Lakes and then returning to the start line.

There will also be a team competition to determine Andover’s fittest business teams. Teams can feature up to ten runners, with the fourth-place finisher’s time counting towards the team’s total. Simplyhealth were crowned winners at last year’s event.

There is still time to sign up for the 2019 Andover Lake Run.

To do so go to andoverlakerun.org.uk, or if you have any questions email lakerun@andoverfoodbank.org.uk