RUNNERS will be under starters orders from the Mayor of Dudley when she gets a popular charity race under way.

Councillor Margaret Aston will be officially starting this year’s Great Black Country Run through Halesowen on September 21.

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

Hundreds of runners have already signed up to the five and 10 kilometre races, organised by the Rotary Club of Halesowen and Rowley Regis.

Cllr Aston 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 underway 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.