Rugby star-turned dancer Matt Dawson is to give his feet a different sort of exercise - by running this weekend's National Bath Half Marathon. 

The former England and British Lions player who came second in TV's Strictly Come Dancing will be taking part in the race alongside his girlfriend, former Miss Northern Ireland Joanne Salley. 

He will be among a number of runners from the world of rugby in Sunday's race. 

Race events manager Nigel Leighton said: "His agent approached us and we were glad to fit him in. 

"His girlfriend will be racing too and it's great to have them on board." 

The Question of Sport panellist joins a field of former stars headed by another one-time England international and Bath player, Simon Halliday.

Halliday is leading a fundraising effort on behalf of the  heart charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). 

There will be around 20 people running for CRY, with Bradford on Avon-born former England captain Will Carling a possible starter. 

Halliday, who also ran last year's race with a team of players and ex-players said:

"We simply have to get round in under two hours.  That is my objective after my blow-up last year in the closing miles." 

For those who don't fancy the whole race, a 20-metre challenge will be available over the weekend at The Rec. 

The Speedrun is a running track over which people compete to cover the distance as quickly as possible. 

Runners will have their feet assessed by staff from clothing firm New Balance to work out what type, width and size of trainer they should be wearing.  they will then be loaned a pair of trainers to be able to test their speed against the clock. 

Prizes will be awarded to those with the best times and there will a parent and child challenge in aid of main race charity CLIC Sargent. 

Organisers are hoping to get Dawson and other rugby participants to have a go at the mini-track which will be in operation tomorrow and Sunday. 

Tomorrow, will be part of the race's Family Sports Day at the Rec, where there is a fun-packed programme of activities for all the family between 9am and 4pm, including BMX riding, skateboarding, cricket and cheerleading exhibitions. 

Meanwhile, as a warm-up to the main race, an informal breakfast run takes place at 9am tomorrow. 

The run will start from The Rec Runners' Village and will be a 20 to 30 minute easy pre-race jog along the Kennet and Avon Canal.  It is free to enter and there is no need to register beforehand. 

Meanwhile, organisers have urged runners to remember that the clocks go forward by an hour at 1am on Sunday.  The race itself starts at Great Pulteney Street at 11am.