THE sun shone on Halesowen yesterday as runners, well-wishers and volunteers descended on the town for the Black Country Road Run.

Now in its third year the event was the biggest yet with 800 runners pounding the streets in the 10km road race and 5km fun run.

Halesowen residents again embraced the event by lining the route to shout encouragement to the runners and enjoy the atmosphere.

There was also entertainment in the town centre as visitors enjoyed music, food and various stalls.

Legendary runner and fundraiser Blind Dave Heeley was the star of the show running in the road race dressed as Shrek and starting the fun run. He was was raising money for JDRF which is trying to find a cure for type one Diabetes ahead of his Saraha Challenge next year.

Ryan Pegg, from Hinckley, won the road race in a time of 36 minutes and 50 seconds and the first woman home was Halesowen's Amy Tweedie in a time of 41 minutes and 02 seconds.

But the big winner on the day were the charities who will benefit for the tens of thousands of pounds raised by runners and their supporters.

Unlike other fun runs, which are organised by companies, the Black Country Road Run was founded by the Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club just to raise money for good causes.

Rotarian Alan Bowler, who founded the event, said: "It was a fantastic day in Halesowen, the weather was brilliant and so many people came out to support the event which was the biggest and best yet.

"We had over 800 runners which was an increase from last year and we have had lots of positive comments about the course which we changed."

He added: "It was a great day from start to finish and I'd like to thank everyone involved including the runners, all our volunteers who did a great job, charities and the people of Halesowen and the Black Country who have taken the event to their heart."

All dressed in yellow Sunfield School, Clent, had 48 runners in the event and are hoping to raise over £10,000 this year.

The school, which educated children with learning difficulties, are the favourites to clinch the Challenge Cup, which the Rotary Club awards to the charity which has raised the most money when all the cash is counted.