About 50,000 people are expected to run the half-marathon

The former Middlesbrough manager, who fired the starter's pistol last year, will run the 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields on 30 September.

McClaren, who lives in North Yorkshire, will become the third England manager to compete in the race after Kevin Keegan and Graham Taylor.

The 46-year-old is running to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.

He said: "I had the privilege last year of starting the race and I am delighted on this occasion that I can run.

"It was an awesome sight seeing 50,000 people streaming past me after I had fired the pistol, so I am really looking forward to having a go myself.

"It is fantastic that so many people can go out to raise so much money for good causes."

About 50,000 people are again expected to join the 27th annual run, which is sponsored by BUPA.