Record-breaking 99-year-old marathon runner Bhai Fauja Singh received a rousing Villa Park reception as he ran around the pitch in support of several charities, including club partners Acorns.

Bhai Fauja completed a lap of the Villa Park pitch at half-time during the Europa league second leg fixture against Rapid Vienna and was spurred on by a staggering ovation from the Villa faithful.

The veteran runner is a guest in the 2010 Community Run for Wellbeing held at Handsworth Park on Saturday September 25.

The Community Run for Wellbeing is organised by staff and volunteers from the Nishkam Centre in Handsworth and will see diverse community groups and faiths get together to raise money for charity and promote wellbeing.

Villa's official charity partners Acorns will be a beneficiary of the monies raised from the event and the club are key supporters.

Ever since his debut at the 2000 Flora London Marathon, at the age of 89, Bhai Fauja, with no previous significant record of athleticism, instantly became a renowned figure within the Sikh community.

Since he turned 90, no-one else in his age bracket has completed the London Marathon in less than seven hours.

He set a world record, knocking an incredible 58 minutes off the previous best time.

Running again in the 2002 London Marathon, Bhai Fauja completed the marathon in six hours 45 minutes, shedding nine minutes off his previous world record.

On September 26, 2003 he completed the Toronto Waterfront Scotia Bank Marathon in five hours and 40 minutes - another new world record.

His is now running in the Community Run for Wellbeing to raise the profile of the event.

Speaking about his achievements and his impending run in support of Acorns, Bhai Fauja said: "I wasn't put on this Earth to run.

"God intended for me to help support those that are in need, which is why I run for charities. The running is only a means to an end."

Villa's head of marketing, Russell Jones, added: "Aston Villa are proud to support the 2010 Community Walk for Well Being.

"Its aim to promote community cohesion and well being fit perfectly with the club's values.

"The efforts made to open to a wider audience the opportunity to support the club's official charity partner Acorns, are fantastic."

The event will be a family friendly day with two aspects - a 5km family walk or a 10km run for more serious runners.

The club's mascots will also be in attendance to cheer on all participants. Registration costs only £5.

To take part in the event, you can register at nishkham-aid.co.uk or call 0121 515 4229 for more details.