A 10k has been renamed in memory of an Accrington-born runner who died last year.

The Accrington 10K has been renamed The Dr Ron Hill Accrington 10K, in memory of the running legend who died aged 82 last year.

The event is now a part of The Running Bee Foundation’s portfolio and will take place on Sunday, August 14.

Chair of Trustees, Jan Collins, said: "Ron Hill is a running legend in the eyes of so many, his legacy deserves special recognition.

"The Running Bee Foundation wanted to deliver meaningful initiatives that not only remind us of Ron but help others to follow in his stride.

Lancashire Telegraph: Ron Hill won the gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970 Photo credit: PARon Hill won the gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970 Photo credit: PA

“We have worked closely with Ron’s family to arrange the activation of the legacy fund and we are excited to be opening applications for young athletes in need of support to reach and achieve their sporting goals.

"The Dr Ron Hill Accrington 10K will drive The Running Bee Foundation’s mission to encourage an active, healthier and happier lifestyle, and we hope to inspire the community to get involved.’’

Lancashire Telegraph: The event has been renamed in honour of the running legend who died last yearThe event has been renamed in honour of the running legend who died last year

The race will start and finish beside two of Accrington’s historical landmarks, the beautiful Grade II listed Accrington Town Hall and Market Hall.

The route will pass both May Hill Close, dedicated to Ron’s wife, and Ron Hill Way, in commemoration of the international running legend.

Alongside the race, The Running Bee Foundation is announcing a new fund named ‘Dr Ron Hill MBE Legacy Fund’.

The fund will be operated by the foundation and offer grants to support young athletes and athletic clubs in Tameside and Accrington.

To sign up to run in the Dr Ron Hill Accrington 10K, visit The Running Bee Foundation website.

Dr Ron Hill was the 1969 European Athletics Championships marathon gold-medal winner, and was the second man to break the two hours and 10 minutes barrier in the discipline.

The distance runner also claimed marathon gold at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, and won the 74th Boston Marathon.