The countdown to the 10th Black Country Road Run has begun – and people are being urged to sign up and help raise money for the Mayor of Dudley’s charities.

There is just a month to go now until the annual race through Halesowen, which takes place on Sunday September 12 and is organised by Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club. The 10k race starts at 9.45am, while there is a shorter family fun run at 11.30am.

The event has been running since 2012 and helped raise more than £500,000 for charity, with thousands taking part every year.

The Mayor of Dudley - who will be officially opening the race alongside Halesowen’s Line of Duty star, Greg Piper - today urged people to take part and help raise money for her two chosen charities; the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Dudley Mind.

Councillor Anne Millward today kicked off the countdown to the run - and urged people to join in the fun. She said: 

"This is a fantastic event which raises thousands of pounds for charity every year. With a month to go, it gives people time to get training and have something to aim for and could really help with getting fit and losing weight.

"If people are looking to raise money for charity I have two 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."

Rotarian Alan Bowler, who's acting as event director, added:

"This is our 10th year and we’re delighted to have our special guests - the Mayor of Dudley and local celebrity and actor from BBC’s Line of Duty, Greg Piper - both joining us to start the run.

"We’re also very grateful to our two main sponsors, The Big Pet Store & CSCM Ltd, for their continued support and of course to all the other local businesses, organisations and volunteers that sponsor the event and help out on the day.

"Without their support we simply wouldn’t be able to put on the event and lots of worthy charities wouldn’t benefit from the fundraising efforts of the runners taking part.

"This year we’ve designed a special 2021 medal to recognise and commemorate the special work and efforts of all our key workers who have been outstanding throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

"As well as supporting the Mayor’s charities, runners can also download a sponsorship form from our website to donate money to their own chosen charities or donate to us directly at Halesowen & RR Rotary."

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

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Halesowen MP James Morris have already signed up to take part, as well as renowned local runner 'Blind Dave' Heeley.

For more information, or to sign up, head online to theblackcountryrun.com.