Kieran Reilly to start the Great North Run

The Olympic silver medallist said the run was "close to his heart"

Olympic silver medallist Kieran Reilly will be the honorary starter for the Great North Run on Sunday.

Gateshead-born Mr Reilly won silver in the BMX freestyle park at the Paris Olympics in July.

The 23-year-old said the race was "close to his heart" as his father had run it several times and his mother was running it this year.

This will be the 43rd half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields and about 60,000 people are expected to take part.

Mr Reilly said: "I had hoped to run myself this year but I've been a little busy - hopefully next year."

Other major figures from north-east England who have started the race include Sir Bobby Robson, Sting and Alan Shearer.

Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the event, said Mr Reilly's career had started on a skatepark along the run's route and led to Olympic success.

"It's very fitting for us to ask Kieran to come and start this year's Great North Run," he said.

Coverage begins from 06:00 BST on BBC Radio Newcastle and from 10:00 BST on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.