Dave pitches in for big run

West Bromwich marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley took to the pitch at Villa Park to promote the Birmingham Half Marathon.

The Villa played out a nil-nil drew against Liverpool yesterday and Dave Heeley and his wife Debbie's cousin Richard Harris stepped out onto the turf in front of a sell out crowd to complete a lap of the stadium to show the runner's support for the inaugural Birmingham Half Marathon.

The event, organised by Birmingham City Council, will take place on October 26.

Dave said: "It was great to do a lap of the pitch and we got a great response from the Villa fans who I must say were absolutely superb. Everyone was very congratulatory and it had the desired effect."

The EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon, which is 13.1 miles long, will start outside the Birmingham Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, the runners will then make their way into Birmingham City Centre and will finish on Broad Street next to Centenary Square.

Everyone who takes part in the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon will receive an official t-shirt and a medal.

For more information log onto www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com