Double Olympic gold medallist Kelly Holmes revealed today she intends to take part in the BUPA Great Manchester Run on Sunday May 20.

"But remember I'm running for fun - my competitive days are over," said the remarkable 36-year-old winner of the 800 and 1500 metres titles at the 2004 Games in Athens.

Holmes insisted: "I won’t be lining up on the start line with the elite athletes - that isn't for me anymore.

"I just want to go out there on the day and enjoy the atmosphere and help encourage everyone else around, particularly the fun runners and other joggers.

"I'm really looking forward to it but I must stress for me it is an enjoyable day out where I want to experience the atmosphere of a Great Run event."

Dame Kelly is planning to spend the entire weekend in Manchester; she will be guest of honour at the curtain raiser to the BUPA Great Manchester Run, the ‘On Your Marks’ concert to be performed by the city's resident Halle Orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall on the Saturday evening.

"It will be nice to see the cultural and entertainment side which the Run is also promoting and presents an opportunity for me to see another side of life."

Organisers expressed their delight that Dame Kelly will be coming along to the country's biggest 10 kilometres road race with an entry of 28,000 runners.

Communications director David Hart, said: "I think its brilliant news that she is managing to fit the BUPA Great Manchester Run into her very busy schedule. It’s already Britain’s premier 10km and what an honour it is for the event.

"I'm equally certain the masses who will join along the route, will get a special kick out of running alongside a truly great Olympic champion."