LEGENDARY marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley will be starting this year's Black Country Run in Halesowen - the biggest yet.

Now in its fourth year the event, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Halesowen and Rowley Regis, is set to be the biggest yet and has been moved to Sunday, July 5 to be part of the Black Country Festival.

Blind Dave, who last month conquered the toughest running challenge in the world completing over 150 miles in the Saraha Desert, said: "The Black Country Run is a fantastic event especially as it has a 5km and 10km race so everyone can get involved.

"I am looking forward to running the 10km race in fancy dress, me and my two friends will be dressing up as as the three blind mice, it certainly will be more fun than running through the Saraha Desert."

Blind Dave was the first and only blind person to have run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents and is delighted to see his local run go from strength to strength.

He said: "This is the fourth year now and it will continue to get bigger and bigger and I am urging everyone to get involved and do some running for charity and get fitter as well."

This year Blind Dave is running for The Albion Foundation, which helps disabled and underprivileged children in the Black Country, and runners can raise money for whichever charity they want.

The 57-year-old said: "The Albion Foundation does some amazing work in the Black Country, they are a big supporter of disabled sports and even run a school which helps gives children with disabilities confidence to thrive in the real world."

Rotarian Alan Bowler, founder of the Black Country Road Run, said: "We are over the moon to have Blind Dave on board for this event as he is so inspirational.

"Since we started four years ago we have raised over £50,000 for good causes and keep on getting bigger every year, we had over 800 runners last time but want over 1000 this year."

Dudley Council leader councillor Pete Lowe backed he Black Country Road Run.

He said: "It is great for the Black Country Festival that such a big event like the Black Country Road Run is now part of it and will help start off the festivities brilliantly."

Blind Dave joined Rotarians at Lifestyle Fitness, Hagley Road West, to launch this year's event and meet sponsors which includes Lifestyle Fitness, Mercedes Benz Stourbridge, Scot Young Research and CSCM IT Solutions.

For more information about the Black Country Run visit www.theblackcountryrun.com and to sponsor Blind Dave visit www.blindaveheeley.com.