Great North Run return for Brown

Brown, originally from Yorkshire, is now based in Canada

British runner Jon Brown will end nine months of injury agony when he competes at the Great North Run on 1 October.

"After the New York marathon I had a problem with my knee, then before the London Marathon I had a plantar fascia problem and a calf tear," he said.

Brown, 35, has finished fourth in the last two Olympic marathons.

Olympic champion Stefano Baldini, world record marathon holder Paul Tergat, defending champion Hendrick Ramaala will also compete in the race.