Musician Sting and cricketer Steve Harmison will act as honorary starters of the 2009 Bupa Great North Run in Newcastle on Sunday, getting those in women's fitness wear on their way for the 13.1-mile challenge.

A record 54,000 runners have signed up for the 29th staging of the world's biggest half marathon.

"The Great North Run is a real success story for the region, I'm delighted to have been given the honour of firing the starter's gun at such a wonderful event," said Sting

Harmison, who was part of the England Ashes-winning team this summer, took part in the Junior Great North Run as a child.

He said: "It's been a great summer. Winning the Ashes and the County Championship, and now starting the Bupa Great North Run with none other than Sting. Fantastic!"

Bupa recommends that anyone taking part in such events should train and run in comfortable nylon or polyester clothes but the items of ladies fitness wear they particularly recommend are a decent pair of trainers and a sports bra. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19362326-ADNFCR

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