RUNNERS from across the Black Country are being urged to help raise money at an annual run through Halesowen this weekend.

The Black Country Road Run – which marks the final countdown to this year’s Black Country Festival – will take place on the town’s streets this Sunday (July 1).

Thousands of people are expected to descend onto the town for the event, which is organised annually by Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club.

Race organiser and Rotarian Alan Bowler said: “This race is all about raising as much money as we can for charity, while having fun.

“People can raise money for whichever charity they want and we hope that children and their parents will join in the family fun run.”

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor, who will be starting the race, is also urging people to take part and help raise money for charities, especially his three chosen causes for this year – Headway Black Country, the Hope Centre, in Halesowen, and Dudley’s White House Cancer Support.

The Halesowen councillor joined deputy mayor Councillor Hilary Bills – also a Halesowen councillor – in Somers Square this week to kick off the countdown to the run.

Cllr Taylor said: “This is the first of a number of events throughout July to mark the Black Country Festival.

“If people are looking to raise money for charity I have three very worthy causes I’m spending my year promoting, and the excellent work they do. If people can find the time to raise some much needed funding for them that would be brilliant.

“If you’re not a runner, just come down and enjoy a fantastic morning in Halesowen and cheer people on.”

This year’s 10k route starts and finishes in the town centre and takes in the surrounding roads, while entertainment will also be on in the town centre for runners and their families.

The event is also the first in a packed calendar for the Black Country Festival with activities across the Dudley borough.

To enter the event, people can register at www.theblackcountryrun.com.