A FIELD of elite athletes will set the pace in two exciting mile races ahead of the inaugural Sunderland City 10k on Sunday.

Great Britain squad members and major championship medallists will take part in the extra r e d s p o t t e d h a n k y . c o m events.

The men’s line-up includes Antony Whiteman, a former Commonwealth 1500m bronze medallist and World Student Games champion.

He is fifth in the all-time list of Great Britain’s fastest 1500m runners, a list led by event founder Steve Cram.

Mr Cram, the former 1500m world champion, said that the 10k formed part of what will be “an exciting day of events and activities”.

Following the junior mile races and Sunderland Echo Junior run, the redspottedhanky.com elite women’s and men’s miles will get under way – providing great entertainment for the thousands of runners and spectators expected for the start of the main race, at 10.30am.

Also competing in the men’s mile is James Thie, a GB team member since 1998 and Welsh 1500m record holder.

Gateshead Harrier Chris Parr will provide stiff competition for the GB runners, along with up-andcoming Darlington athlete Lewis Moses, and it is expected several more elite athletes will be appearing.

In the women’s mile, Becky Lynne, GB athlete and a former European bronze 800m medallist, will hope to set a fast time.

She will battle it out with a number of international competitors, including GB athlete and World Cross Country competitor Faye Fullerton.

The two British runners will be up against a number of strong athletes from local clubs and those from further afield, including Kerry Harty, who competes in the Irish vest over 1500m and 5k.

Mr Cram added: “In the elite races there are some really talented international athletes.”