THE first ever Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon will be officially started this weekend by one of the county’s most famous cricketing stalwarts.

Former international cricket umpire Dickie Bird OBE will start the race in York this Sunday at 9.30am, and said he was happy to be part of the event.

He said: “It’s a great privilege for me to be asked to come along and start the first Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon. I am absolutely delighted to be able to help.

“I’m sure it will be a big success and I wish all those taking on the challenge the very best of luck. It’s tremendous that so many good causes will benefit from the runners’ efforts.”

Yorkshireman Dickie, 80, played first class cricket for Yorkshire and Leicestershire has become well known for his career as an umpire, overseeing 66 Test matches, and 69 one-day internationals including three World Cups.

A total of 6,100 runners are due to take part in the race this weekend, with entries from as far afield as France, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, the USA and the Caribbean, with runners expected to raise about £1.3m for charity.