Boxer to fire gun for city race

Jeffries won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics

Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries will signal the start for runners in a new race in his home town.

The first Bupa Great North 10k will be run in Sunderland on 12 July, with runners starting and finishing at the Stadium of Light.

The boxer will be fresh from a second hometown bout at the Seaburn Centre on 10 July.

The field will be made up of a mixture of elite athletes and thousands of runners of all abilities.

Sunderland City Council leader councillor Paul Watson said: "We're delighted to have the city's boxing hero Tony Jeffries start the first Bupa Great North 10k in Sunderland.

"He is an inspiration to many on what can be achieved by setting yourself a goal and working towards it.

"All those taking part have set themselves a personal challenge and they should be proud of themselves for being involved."