Olympians, Gunnell, Thomas and Twell, represent the best of British athletics talent and all three are working to help McCain encourage people of all ages to get involved in athletics and spot upcoming British sporting talent through the McCain Track & Field Roadshows or the McCain Track & Field television show on Channel 4. Through its £5million partnership with UK Athletics, and as a responsible family-owned food manufacturer, McCain Foods is committed to encouraging people to lead a healthy lifestyle, as well as maintaining a balanced diet.

Gunnell, who won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, is the only woman in history to have held the four major titles of Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth Champion at the same time. Commenting on her involvement, she said, “As a busy mum with three growing boys, I know all about the pressures that parents face in getting their children to eat healthily and get active. I am delighted that McCain has joined forces to support the McCain Yorkshire Coast 10km Road Race and the 2.5km Family Fun Run to help support active families.”

At the age of just 15, Twell, was the youngest member of the British team to compete in the 2005 World Championships. With a string of successes under her belt, Twell, is one of the countries hopes for a medal at London 2012. Wanting to pass on her enthusiasm to as many people as possible through her role as a McCain Track & Field ambassador, she commented, “In lead up to London 2012, as I focus on getting some serious training under my belt, I am delighted to come and cheer local residents along the McCain Yorkshire Coast course, as well as talent spotting for any young British athletes!”

Thomas, a former European Champion, Commonwealth Champion and World Cup Winner, remains the British Record Holder for the 400m. Currently co-presenting the McCain Track & Field Roadshow, a 12-part TV series, currently airing on Channel 4, he said: “I believe in balancing an active lifestyle with enjoying good food and remain hugely passionate about athletics. The McCain 10km Race and Family Fun Run are great opportunities to encourage everyone in the North East to enjoy a sport that has given me so many great memories.”

The 10km Road Race, and 2.5km Fun Run, will start from the Scarborough Spa Complex, South Bay, and will follow a traffic-free course along the sea-front. Electronic chip timing will be used from start to finish on the 10km race to ensure that each and every athlete is guaranteed an accurate time, regardless of how long it takes to cross the start line.

Bill Bartlett, Corporate Affairs Director at McCain Foods (GB) said: “We hope the involvement of these Great British athletes will inspire families to join us in what promises to be a fun, healthy day out for all. McCain Foods has been based in Scarborough for over forty years now and we are delighted to demonstrate our commitment to encouraging active lifestyles in our home town.”

McCain Foods (GB) Ltd has joined forces with Scarborough Athletic Club to announce the first ever McCain Yorkshire Coast 10km Road Race and the 2.5km Family Fun Run. The event will take place on Sunday 11th October 2009 and will follow a scenic route around the castle headland.

With close ties to Athletics, through its £5million partnership with UK Athletics, and as a responsible family-owned food manufacturer, McCain Foods is committed to encouraging people to lead a healthy lifestyle as well as maintaining a balanced diet. The 10km Road Race, and 2.5km Fun Run, will start from the Scarborough Spa Complex, South Bay, and will follow a traffic-free course along the sea-front.

Bill Bartlett, Corporate Affairs Director at McCain Foods said: “McCain Foods has been based in Scarborough for over forty years now and we are delighted to demonstrate our commitment to encouraging healthier lifestyles in our home town. Through our internal McCain in Motion programme, which encourages our staff to lead healthier lifestyles, we are hoping to enter 100 McCain staff as runners.”

The 10km course is almost perfectly flat with approximately 10 metres of climb throughout. Starting at the Spa Complex, South Bay, the course goes through Sandside, around the Castle Headland and through Northstead Manor Gardens, along North Bay promenade to the Sealife Centre. Electronic chip timing will be used from start to finish on the 10km race to ensure that each and every athlete is guaranteed an accurate time, regardless of how long it takes to cross the start line.

Chris Clayton, Chairman of Scarborough Athletic Club, said, “We are delighted to be working with McCain Foods on what we know will be a fantastic event for all the family. The event will be key to help raise funds towards our long term goal of building our own Track & Field venue, vastly improving the athletics facilities for the community and the young athletes of tomorrow. We'd also like to thank members of the Scarborough Council, local businesses and the community for helping us to organise this event.''

For the first year of the event, five British charities will also be supported, with fifty reserved places for each charity. People interested in taking part should visit: www.yorkshirecoast10k.co.uk. Places are limited so entrants are encouraged to secure their entries as soon as possible.''

Bartlett concluded, “This race will be a great opportunity for families from in, and around Scarborough, to train, get fit, raise money for some really worthwhile causes and, above all, have fun.”