A former Bradford Marathon winner and committed local athletics coach Tony Kingham will be the honorary starter for the 2013 Bradford City Runs, it has been announced.

And the 68-year-old will then jump off the starter's rostrum to perform as a veteran on the four-lap Bradford City Runs half-marathon on Sunday, October 27. T

he course will be held on closed roads in the city centre, taking in the multi award-winning City Park.

Runners have the chance to take part in either a 5K, 10K or half-marathon distance.

Mr Kingham was the winner of the second annual Bradford Telegraph & Argus Marathon in 1983, posting a time of 2:32:08 around a tough course starting at Apperley Bridge and taking in Shipley, Bradford city centre, Thornbury, Calverley, Horsforth, Rawdon, Baildon and Thackley.

Since then, the former Bradford Grammar School teacher has devoted much of his time to the development and support of local athletics and guided triathlon world champion brothers Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee in their early careers when they were pupils at the school.

The Bingley Harrier member has been pivotal, along with his colleague Selby Brock, in running the Bradford Schools Athletics Association. He also acts as voluntary treasurer for Bradford Athletics Network.

He said: “The City Runs event is a great opportunity for runners of all ages and standards to enjoy a range of events on closed roads right in the centre of Bradford.

“It is very rare nowadays to get central roads clear of traffic for four hours, so it is hoped many people will come out and take part.”

Councillor Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and sustainability, said: “It will be great to have Tony Kingham starting the Bradford City Runs for us as he is a great role model for all runners.

“As a former Bradford Marathon winner, he demonstrates great loyalty to local events and is looking forward to supporting the new Bradford City Runs.”

Marshaling is to be carried out by local athletics clubs, university and college students, pupils at St Bede’s School, Bradford City and Bradford Bulls.

To find out more and get involved, go to bradfordcity runs.co.uk