On your marks for a charity run inspired by cancer heroine Jane

Organisers of the Jane Tomlinson Run For All Leeds 10k said last night that despite torrential downpours yesterday the event would still go ahead as planned.

The spokeswoman said the forecast was much better for tomorrow and race organisers were looking forward to seeing thousands of runners line-up on the start line to benefit charity.

TV and sport stars will join the thousands of runners who have already registered to take part in the big day.

Former Leeds United star Danny Mills, Emmerdale stars Danny Miller and Danny Tennant, and former Sunderland and Darlington footballer Neil Wainwright are among a host of famous faces tackling Yorkshire’s biggest running event.

The stars will join former Leeds Rhinos prop Barrie McDermott, who is running as part of the Run with the Rhinos scheme, along with Premier League referees Howard Webb, Martin Atkinson, Phil Dowd, Mike Jones and Jon Moss who will be pounding the pavements for the Jane Tomlinson Appeal along with 10 other Football League officials as part of the event’s Clarion Corporate Challenge.

Mike Jones, who is leading the team, persuaded his wife Kathy to join in, said: “We are aiming to raise £2,500 for Jane’s Appeal and we’re all looking forward to being a part of the day.”

The BBC’s Harry Gration is due to officially start the race along with the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Ann Castle and Asda chief operating officer Judith McKenna.

Joining them will be seven-year-old James Driver, from Rothwell, Leeds, who suffers from cerebal palsy and after his parents were warned he may never walk or talk, defied doctors’ expectations by walking the course of the Leeds Half Marathon Mini Run earlier this year.

One of the country’s greatest Paralympians Baronness Tanni Grey-Thompson will be taking time out ahead of making preparations for the London Olympics to come and show her support for the event.

Her sporting career has seen her win a total of 16 Paralympic medals, 11 of which are gold, hold over 30 world records, and win the London Marathon six times between 1992 and 2002.

Event director Sara Birkinshaw said: “We’re thrilled to be able to welcome James and Tanni to our trademark event.

“They are two very inspirational people and we are honoured that they will be there to wave off our fantastic runners this year.”

She added: “It’s always great to have stars from the TV and sporting world running alongside those that have travelled from all over the country to be a part of our event, raising money for some fantastic causes.

“It’s promising to be another successful event and we hope everyone enjoys the buzz that comes with an event like this.”

Tomorrow a number of roads will be closed across Leeds city centre. Where possible, these roads will be progressively re-opened after runners pass.

However, some of the streets surrounding the city library area, including part of The Headrow and the approaches to Millennium Square, will remain closed until mid to late afternoon.

For information about any of the Jane Tomlinson events visit www.forallevents.co.uk. The Yorkshire Post is a media partner for the Leeds 10k.