GALLERY: Hundreds pound the pavements for Black Country Road Run
More than one thousand runners pounded the streets of Halesowen as they took part in the Black Country Road Run to raise funds for charity.
Among the runners taking part in the eighth event yesterday morning was West Midlands mayor Andy Street and blind fundraising legend Dave Heeley.
The 10K event, organised by the Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club, also includes a shorter family run.
The event, which started in 2012 as the Halesowen Fun Run, has helped raise in excess of £140,000 for local and national charities since it began. It was re-branded as the Black Country Road Run in 2013.
Each runner is awarded a medal, which incorporates the Black Country Flag, for taking part. The first male across the finish line was Trevor Osborne who completed the 10K in 35 minutes and 46 seconds, while the first female to complete the race was Sophie Wood, who travelled down from Manchester, in 37 minutes 40 seconds.
Alan Bowler, one of the organisers, said: "The whole event went like a dream, it was the best year we have had. We had around 1,200 runners taking part in the Black Country Road Run this year.
"We had plenty of people coming to town to watch this race too, everyone had a great time. It was a very good day.
"Participants were raising money for all different charities. We also had about 200 local scouts taking part in the family fun run, and a lot of people dressed up – including Blind Dave who was dressed up as the 'Black Country Mon' while taking part in both the 10K and the family fun run."
The Black Country Road Run was one of many events taking place this weekend as part of the start of the Black Country Festival celebrations. The month-long festival, now in its sixth year, running until July 29, with the actual Black Country Day on July 14.
Events this weekend also included Upper Gornal Family Fun Day, Made in the Black Country and a Bostin' Beer Festival at Dudley Canal Trust and a Fun Day in Halesowen town centre.
Other events coming up as part of the Black Country Festival include Halesowen Carnival on July 6, Stourbridge Carnival on July 7, Classic Car Show in Dudley town centre on July 13 and Black Country Musciom Festival at Himley Hall on July 14.
