A veteran runner who organised Bradford marathons in the 1980s that attracted nearly 3,000 runners has waded into the debate over the City Run, which is in danger of being axed this year in a programme of Council cutbacks.

Last year’s run, as exclusively reported by the Telegraph & Argus on Monday, cost £40,000 but in previous years it has cost more than double that amount.

Now its future is in jeopardy until Bradford Council agrees its spending priorities at its 2013/14 budget meeting on February 28.

Ronnie Bowes, now 82, of Thackley, said that in his day holding a marathon locally cost nothing because organisers relied on sponsorship and goodwill from big companies.

He could not understand why that had changed and praised the Bingley Harriers for organising good events in the past.

Mr Bowes said that the City Run could be organised at minimal cost.

He also questioned why it went through the city centre, when, he said, competitors preferred to run outside the city centre, which would mean fewer road closures.

The former runner organised the marathon and half- marathon in 1985 and 1987 respectively.

“I have never competed in the City Run because I am now 82,” he said. “I would never ever criticise the Council because they are elected but you can promote a marathon and a half-marathon and it doesn’t need to cost a penny apart from initial materials which can be funded by the entry fee.

“What I am trying to say is you can put on major events at no cost, that is provided someone at the Council can start finding sponsors.

“I would be interested to know what the £40,000 costs went on.

“When I did it you never had to close roads and we attracted 2,700 people with our first marathon I organised in 1985. We went through Esholt which didn’t need any road closures.”

Councillor Andrew Thornton, the Council’s executive member responsible for sport, said City Run discussions would centre on the budget and that future plans had nothing to do with last year’s problems when runners were directed the wrong way.

“We are having initial discussions on whether we will or will not do it. If we do, we need to look at what the form of it will be and the dates. It is really very much wrapped up in budget discussions and the proposals of events programmes,” he said.

Running clubs have already expressed an interest in holding the run.

e-mail: dolores.cowburn@telegraphandargus.co.uk