The series hopes to feature more than 100,000 runners across 2014-2015 as it aims to encourage participation for all runners, experienced and beginners, and to create a vibrant community-based around many of the nation's best-loved running events.

The series kick-starts next month with the all new Run Hackney half marathon on June 22, before the British 10k on July 13, the Oxford Half in October and next year's Brighton Half, Bath Half, Reading Half Marathon, North London Half Marathon and Liverpool Half Marathon.

In her role as Vitality Ambassador for PruHealth and PruProtect, title sponsors of the Series, Ennis-Hill revealed a four-and-a-half metre high female runner, "Victoria", positioned near the Millennium Arena in Battersea Park.

Acting as spokesperson for the sponsors, London 2012 gold medallist Ennis-Hill commented: "I am delighted to support the Vitality Run Series by revealing this giant sculpture which will be a memorable and inspiring feature at each of the events.

"There are eight fantastic events taking place over the next year starting with the exciting new Run Hackney half marathon on June 22, through to the famous Reading and Liverpool half marathons next March.

"With the summer now upon us, this is a great time for runners of all standards to head outside, start training, and enter one of our events around the UK.

"Being a heptathlete, running is obviously a big part of my training regime and everyday life and it is something I enjoy."

Jessica Ennis-Hill was joined by Daley Thompson at the launch of the new Vitality Run Series in Battersea Park ©Getty Images



Also present was two-time Olympic decathlon champion Daley Thompson, who is a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy.

The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is the Official Charity of the Vitality Run Series.

Mark Whitehead, chief executive of Series organisers Achieve Events, said: "The Vitality Run Series is all about inspiring many more people to make the step up to successfully to complete one or more of our leading challenge running events.

"Our races are open to all and our motivation is to help people achieve their goals by assisting them on every step of their journey, through the preparation months all the way through to a first-class event day experience which will live long in the memory.

"With the support of fantastic partners like PruHealth and PruProtect with Vitality and Laureus, we aim to build a lasting community around the Series which will enable members to share their experiences and enjoy access to unique content, offers and incentives.

"Look out for more announcements in this regard as the Series develops during its first year."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]