THEY'RE off the starting blocks to recruit runners to pound the streets of Halesowen in the Black Country Run.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif, Mayor of Dudley, and his wife, Mayoress Zabeda Khanam, will be among those expected to take part in the 10k or 5k races, to be held in Halesowen town centre on Sunday July 3.

The event - set to attract thousands of runners and supporters to the town - has been organised by Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club

Cllr Hanif joined Black Country Run organisers and festival representatives at Dudley Council House to encourage people to sign up for the races.

It is part of a series of events taking place during the month in the run-up to Black Country Day on Thursday July 14.

The mayor and his wife are pledged to take part in the 5k race.

Cllr Hanif said: “The Black Country Run is always a popular event and showcases everything that is great about the community in Halesowen.

"I hope people will again sign up to this fabulous event.

"The mayoress and I will be taking part in the 5k event and we’re really looking forward to meeting people along the route on the day.”

It is the fifth time that Halesowen has hosted the Black Country Run, with organisers from the Rotary Club bringing in a total of more than £77,000 since it started in 2012.

Last year, more than 1,100 runners took part, raising £27,000 for local charities.

The event will start and finish in the town centre and raise money for a string of charities.

It costs £12 to enter the 10k race or £10 for the 5k race, with family and children’s tickets also available.

Anybody wanting to register to take part should visit www.theblackcountryrun.com and people can run for their own charities, as well as those chosen by the Rotary Club.

People can sponsor the mayor online at https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/mayorofdudleyscharities.

More information about the festival is available at www.black-country-festival.co.uk