Suffolk is set to pave the way with a new fun run, which has been backed by top Olympians, aimed at getting thousands of children off the sofa and on their feet.

Building on the legacy of the 2012 Olympics, the county will be among the first in the country to host the running initiative INEOS GO Run For Fun, which has been endorsed by former Olympic athletes Lord Sebastian Coe and Brendan Foster.

The 2km fun run, for children aged five to 16, has been developed by Nova International and will take place alongside the Larkin Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon next weekend.

Colin Grogan, Suffolk County Council’s sport, health and inclusion development manager, said: “This reflects Suffolk’s position following the London 2012 Games and the way we have been building a legacy.

“The fact that Nova International wants to work with us and sees us as a key partner really puts us on the map and raises our profile.”

The initiative is a three-year programme to get 50,000 young people involved in running and making running a physical activity that is something to enjoy and inspire the next generation of sporting talent.

Suffolk, which is bidding to become the most active county, will also be visited by world champion hurdler Colin Jackson CBE, who will start the half marathon, and sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeety is due to visit Hadleigh High School on Tuesday.

Mr Grogan said: “To have athletes of this stature coming down to help us promote Suffolk to become the most active county and get more children active and engaged is just fantastic.

“Lord Coe is a great ambassador and Harry recently took part in the World Championships.”

He added: “In the week leading up to the half marathon there will be a series of five activities and events linking in with the county’s clubs and schools to give up to 200 children the opportunity to take part in the 2km run.

Events will be held at Northgate Sports Centre, Hadleigh High School, Rattlesden Primary School and Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre before the half marathon on September 22.

Visit www.gorunforfun.com for more details.