Run to the Beat up and running at The O2

Malcolm, who is more used to pitting his running talents against the likes of double Olympic champion Usain Bolt than running 13 miles, was urging budding athletes to sign up for the event.

Run To The Beat features bands and DJs placed at strategic points along the course to help inspire runners to improve their performances and Malcolm revealed music is a key component of his training regime.

He said: "I think it helps motivate you. It's difficult, especially when you are training on your own, you need something to get you going and keep you focused, to take your mind off the pain, more than anything, when you go through that tough stage. Music does that.

"For me, I listen to urban music and I find the lyrics keep me focused, keep me thinking, keep me positive, and I find the beat just physically gets me going."

The 29-year-old Welshman was joined by British-Asian band Panjabi Hit Squad, Dr Costas Karageorghis from Brunel University - who pioneered the science behind music psychology - at the launch.

"The run will be alive with sound as we deliver a kaleidoscope of motivational tunes along the entire length of the course," said Dr Karageorghis.

"The music played during the half-marathon will be scientifically selected to lift moods, alleviate fatigue and match the psychological demands of the event, which increase as the finish line approaches."

Good news for the 10,000 runners expected to sign up for the run, which last year raised over £400,000 for leukaemia research.

But one athlete who will not be on the start line at The O2 in September is Malcolm, who will be concentrating on trying to win medals at the World Athletic Championships in Berlin instead.

But he did not rule out taking part one day.

He said: "I like challenges and one day when I retire I'd like to do a marathon.

"I may try and train for it in about six or seven years time, give my body a chance to rest but I think I'd have to stop six, seven, maybe 10 times and have a good walk. I'd walk it. I'd walk it all day."

Entry for the Sony Ericsson Run To The Beat is open now and costs £33.

To register visit runtothebeat.co.uk