Stars of sport and screen join in half-marathon promotion

Cast members from the popular soap, Bradford Bulls and Bradford City players are backing the Bradford City Run which takes place on Sunday, October 17.

Bradford Bulls' England international prop Andy Lynch, Bradford City players Shane Duff and Dave Syers, with their coach Junior Lewis are joined by soap stars Duncan Preston, who plays Doug Potts in Emmerdale, and Bradford-born Natalie Anderson, who recently joined the cast as Alicia.

The stars are encouraging runners of all ages and abilities to sign up to the Bradford City Run which involves a half marathon, a 5k fun run and 3k and 1k junior races.

Councillor Paul Flowers, Bradford Council's portfolio holder with responsibility for culture, tourism and sport, said: "We're delighted we've got such great local names supporting the Bradford City Run which will be even bigger and better than last year's event. Our half marathon takes in city and rural views which reflects the diversity of the district and contributes to a unique experience."

The run sets off from the Alhambra Theatre at 9am and takes in a route through to Lower Grange, the village of Thornton, up to Harrop Edge and circling back round to Chellow Heights, Shay Golf Club, Heaton and finally arriving in Lister Park in Manningham.

Roads will be closed to traffic which enables runners to take in the views of the countryside surrounding Bradford without having to worry about their safety.

If runners want to participate in the half marathon but do not want to commit to the full course, they can complete it as a relay team of four, which means doing around three miles each.

The 5K fun run starts in Lister Park at 9am and the 3K and 1K junior races also set off from the park at the later time of 9.30am.

The Bradford City Run will be promoting Age UK, the charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.

Age UK is asking participants to make their challenge count by raising sponsorship for the most vulnerable older people in the local area.

Everyone who completes the run will receive a commemorative medal and a goody bag.