The 200m sprinter has joined the business advisory group as ambassador for the 5k race, which is now open for registration, as it returns to the runway at George Best Belfast City Airport this June.

Around 600 runners from businesses across all sectors in Northern Ireland will take to the runway for the night-time race on Thursday 20 June.

Mr Reid became the first Northern Ireland athlete to win a Commonwealth Games medal in 28 years when he claimed bronze in the 200m race on the Gold Coast last year.

Leon said: “I have heard a lot about the Runway Run and am delighted to finally get an opportunity to witness the event first hand.

“Throughout my athletics career, I have run in some very interesting places in all parts of the world, but I’ve certainly never raced on a runway before.

“I look forward to joining with runners from across Northern Ireland at the event in June for what I am sure will be a very memorable evening.”

The Simon Community has been chosen as charity partner for the event, which is supported by Athletics Northern Ireland.

The race forms part of the Grant Thornton 5K Team Corporate Challenge, which also features events in Cork, Galway and Dublin.

It is open to all businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland, who are invited to enter teams of four in one or more of three categories – male, female and mixed.

Prizes will be awarded in each category, with team members’ finishing times combined to determine the winner. Last year, Danske Bank took the prize for the fastest female team, with Ulster Bank claiming the men’s prize and new entrants Towerview Primary School won the fastest mixed team category.

To register for the 2019 Grant Thornton Runway Run and to view full terms and conditions, please visit www.grantthorntonni.com/runway-run.