Paralympic gold medallist Danny Crates will be competing in the annual Birketts' Race4Business tomorrow (June 26).
Danny will join the 16th annual race, this year hoping to raise more than £25,000 for Havens Hospice, organised and founded by lawyer Richard Wollaston.
Danny Crates, originally from Orsett, Essex, said: "Richard Wollaston and the team at Birketts have achieved a fantastic amount for charities throughout the Essex region over the years.
"They do a fantastic amount in the local community and I'm delighted to lend my support."
Having travelled to three Paralympic games representing Great Britain, Danny is distinctively remembered for his impressive 800 metres race that won him a gold medal in the men's 800 metres T46 final at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.
In the same year he set a new world record for his 800 metre ability.
Over the years Danny has built up a considerable fan base.
His inspirational talks have left many in awe of the encouraging athlete's positive view on life, especially his 2,570 twitter followers.
As a consultant at Birketts, Richard Wollaston first set up the Race4Business in 1998.
However this year will be the last time that Richard will be heading the organisation of the event.
Richard commented: "During the sixteen years that I've been organising this event we've raised a staggering £450,000 for charities.
"I want to encourage as many businesses as possible to come and have a good day out.
"I'm very proud of what we've achieved but I'd desperately like to smash through the £500,000 barrier."
He added: "We are thrilled that Danny will be taking part. Danny grew up in Essex and has reached the very top of his profession.
"When I first set-up this event I never dreamt that a world record holder would one day be running! Danny is a true sporting great who is an inspiration to so many. His involvement really helps to shine a light on our chosen charity."
The race, which will cover a distance of 3.5 miles, will begin next to Lloyds Bank in Chelmsford High Street and will continue through Chelmsford's parks.
Whatever is raised will push Havens one step closer to the £16.5m plans to build a new centre in Priory Crescent, Southend.
The race will come to an end at Birketts' offices in New London Road.
Registration has now closed.
