RUNNERS in Halesowen's Great Black Country Run will be under starters orders from marathon hero Blind Dave Heeley and Dudley mayor Margaret Aston.

Local hero Dave Heeley will set the fun runners in the 5k off and take part in the main 10k run which Cllr Aston will officially start on Sunday September 21.

But the blind runner, whose many challenges included completing seven marathons, in seven days on seven continents, will not be easily recognised as he and three friends plan to don full Shrek character costumes for the event.

Alan Bowler, from Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club, which is organising the third annual event, said it was "fantastic" to have Mr Heeley on board.

He said: "He is such a local celebrity, he is a great asset to us."

Cllr Aston is hoping some of the runners will be raising money for her chosen charities – Guide Dogs for the Blind and Action Heart.

She said: “I took part in last year’s run and it was wonderful to see so many people giving up their time to help raise money for charity.

“This year is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before and I’m really looking forward to seeing all those keen fundraisers on the starting line.”

The 10k race gets the event under way at 9am and starts in Birmingham Road, followed by the 5k run at 11am.

To sign up to this year’s race visit www.theblackcountryrun.com