World marathon record-holder to start Bud Baldaro’s charity event in October

Paula Radcliffe is to lend her support to Bud Baldaro’s “Bud’s Run”, which is raising money for Parkinson’s UK.

The world marathon record-holder will fly in from her home in Monaco to attend the 5km event at the University of Birmingham on October 4, which was the idea of Baldaro, the prolific coach who was diagnosed with Parkinson s disease in 2009.

Over the last 40 years Baldaro has helped hundreds of athletes of varying abilities and many of these, including 2011 world 1500m silver medallist Hannah England (pictured with Radcliffe and Baldaro above) and her husband, the steeplechaser Luke Gunn, will be at the event in support.

“Bud is a special man who has always been so positive and supportive for as long as I have known him,” said Radcliffe.

Baldaro is a former head coach at the University of Birmingham and continues to be an active mentor.

Baldaro said: “We’re so grateful to Paula for getting involved. She’s one of the finest British athletes of all time and is a true hero.

“The course is traffic-free and loops round the main campus,” he continued. “There will also be a junior sprint track, barbecue, jazz band, stalls, and 1km loop for Parkinson s sufferers. So whatever kind of runner you are, please come and join us for a great family day out.”

See budsrun.co.uk for entry details

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