HUNDREDS of people are expected to pound the streets of Halesowen this weekend as the town stages its first ever fun run.

The town’s heros - its Olympians and Paralympians will be at the Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club organised 5k Fun Run on Sunday, September 16.

Gymnast Kristian Thomas, cyclists Jess Varnish and Helen Scott as well as wheelchair tennis player Jordanne Whiley will hand out medals at the finishing line.

Amongst those taking part are the town’s MP James Morris and councillors Hilary Bills, Judy Foster, Donella Russell and Ray Burston .

Organiser Alan Bowler said support for the fun run had been “fantastic” with more than 300 participants already signed up whose ages range from four months to 77 years.

Alan said: “It will be the first of its kind in the borough - and what a year to do it in with Olympic fever and Andy Murray winning the U.S Open.”

The event will raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance, Macmillan Cancer Support and Birmingham Children’s Hospital as well as a host of other local charities.

Participants and spectators are also being asked to bring along a tin of food to donate to the Black Country Food Bank to help vulnerable individuals and families in crisis.

There will be a warm up for runners in Somers Square from 8.50am till 9am. By 9.15am runners will be moved to the starting line where Birmingham Street and Birmingham Road meet at the rear of Benjamins.

V.I.Ps including the mayor of Dudley Melvyn Mottram and Olympians and Paralympians will be introduced to runners and spectators from the balcony of Benjamins before the mayor starts the race at 9.30am.

The event will take joggers around town centre streets which will be specially marshalled.

Roads will remain open to minimise disruption to trade, but lane closures will be in place to ensure safety.

Mr Bowler said he hoped townsfolk will support the event by turning out to cheer on joggers.

To register for the fun run or for details including the route visit www.h5k.org.uk or www.halesowenrotaryfunrun.org.