Leicester Tigers legend Rory Underwood will officially start the first Leicester 10K in September.

The Asda Foundation Leicester 10K takes place on the morning of Sunday, September 3 before Tigers kick-off the Aviva Premiership season at home to Bath.

The event will see Tigers fans and volunteers running to raise money to support the community work of Leicester Tigers Foundation.

Underwood, the former Tigers and England winger and now club director, will get the race underway at its Abbey Park starting line.

The route will take the runners across the Grand Union Canal and into the city centre, past the Richard III visitor centre and Leicester Cathedral before twice crossing the River Soar and finishing back at Abbey Park for a final lap.

Underwood, who scored 134 tries in 236 first team appearances for the Tigers, said: “I am delighted to be involved with this new charity run.

“Jane Tomlinson’s achievements were amazing and I hope many people will be inspired by her example and take on this challenge to support a good cause of their choice.

“The route looks great and I wish everyone who takes part the very best of luck.”

The run is the latest addition to the successful Asda Foundation 10K Series organised by Run For All, part of the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson, who raised nearly £2 million for charity by tackling a string of gruelling challenges despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Lynne Preston, Run For All event manager, said: “We are very grateful to Rory for taking on the role of official race starter and are very much looking forward to bringing this new event to the city.”

There are a limited number of spaces left for runners to enter on behalf of the Leicester Tigers Foundation. For more information contact Jess Hilder on 0116 2171343 or email [email protected]

Match tickets for the home fixture against Bath on Sunday, September 3 went on sale to season ticket holders and members today. General tickets go on sale on Friday (July 28).