BOROUGH runners are getting set to pound the streets of Dudley in the annual Action Heart Five Mile road race.

The ‘Heartrun’, now in its 26th year and open to runners of all abilities, takes place at 9.30am on Sunday February 28 - starting and finishing at Russells Hall Hospital.

Hundreds of runners are expected to take part in the event which will raise funds for Action Heart - the borough's heart charity based at the Dudley hospital.

The runners will be joined on the five mile quest by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho, who – straight after officially starting the race – will then run it himself.

The borough’s first citizen, who is taking part in his 11th Action Heart run, will be cheered on by mayoress Jayne Waltho, who will be at the finish line to welcome the runners back.

Joy Brown, fundraising executive of Action Heart, said: “It is great to have the backing of the Mayor, who gives us great support each year.

“It promises to be another brilliant day of fundraising and we even have a team of runners and walkers from Service Birmingham who hope to raise money in memory of their dear colleague Paul Skidmore.

“Paul sadly passed away suddenly last year, but he was a keen member of the Action Heart Running Club and this five mile run was one of his favourite events.”

People who take part in the event and raise more than £100 for Action Heart will earn themselves a pair of Adidas trainers, while raising £75 will make runners eligible for an Adidas hoodie.

Those wishing to walk the course, which takes in the streets of Dudley, can also join in – but they will set off at the slightly earlier time of 9am.

People can still enter the run by calling 01384 292233 or visiting the Action Heart website at www.actionheartrunning.com