Olympian Kelly warming up for Great North Run

WITH momentum building and just a few weeks left go until the Great North Run, tens of thousands of people will be pounding the streets in last-minute training for the big day.

- BARBARA HODGSON

Around 60,000 runners are set to line up on the Newcastle start line on September 7 to take part in the world-famous half-marathon - and among them will be some very famous faces including a sporting icon.

Organisers of the AJ Bell Great North Run have just announced the celebrities who will be taking part this year - in the 44th event - and they include Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes.

The runner who won gold medals for both the 800 metres and 1,500 metres at the 2004 summer Olympics in Athens will be adding some celebrity sparkle to the event which has a history of attracting big names.