Blair pledges �50,000 to runners

Tony Blair is looking for 100 runners

Former prime minister Tony Blair is to sponsor 100 entrants in the Great North Run at a cost of �50,000.

Organisers have given Mr Blair's County Durham-based sporting foundation 100 places in the iconic half-marathon, due to take place on 5 October.

Each entrant will be asked to raise �1,000 for the foundation, which aims to nurture young sporting talent in areas suffering social exclusion.

Mr Blair said he would sponsor each entrant �500 to start them off.

The foundation, which is based in Mr Blair's former constituency home of Trimdon, focuses on indoor rowing, tennis, athletics and football.

Mr Blair said: "The Great North Run is a fantastic iconic event in the North East.

"This year we have got 100 places specifically set aside for the foundation so that people can take part and raise money for the foundation.

"The foundation helps train the coaches and volunteers that then give the opportunities to kids in grassroots sports all over the North East."

Brendan Foster, who founded the Newcastle to South Shields event in 1981 said: "I'm delighted that we are able to provide a vehicle for the foundation to raise funds.

"I'm sure that Tony will have no trouble finding 100 people prepared to take to the streets of Tyneside in October for the cause."

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