The face behind Mansfield Town Football Club mascot, Sammy the Stag, will run in the first Reach Mansfield 10K in full costume before hanging up his boots for retirement.

Douglas Carroll (51), from Mansfield, has been a firm supporter of Mansfield Town FC for many years. He has been the face behind Sammy the Stag for the last 14 years and at the end of last season decided to retire from the role, and will do so in style.

When Doug joined the Club 14 years ago he participated in the well-supported Mansfield Half Marathon, dressed in full costume as Sammy the Stag. To mark his retirement, Doug will run in this year’s Reach Mansfield 10K dressed as the Stag for one last time.

Doug said: “It has been an honour to be the face behind Sammy for the last 14 years, but I feel now is the right time to retire from the position, and what better way to mark the end of an era than the same way I started it, running through the streets if Mansfield, dressed as the Stag?”

Doug is no stranger to long distance races, and has previously participated in numerous running events, including the London Marathon twice and the Mansfield Half Marathon several times.

John Radford, Mansfield Town chairman, said: “Both Carolyn (his wife and club chief executive) and I are very much looking forward to taking part in the Reach Mansfield 10k run.

“It will give us a great opportunity to mingle with some of the Stags’ supporters who have also signed up for the event and get fit at the same time!”

On Doug Carroll’s involvement, he added: “Doug’s 14 year reign as Sammy the Stag has been extremely memorable, and although retired at the end of last season, we are delighted that he will join us by representing Mansfield Town one last time and run the very first Mansfield 10K as the Stag. We would like to wish him the best of luck on race day and for the future!”

Since the closure of the Mansfield Half Marathon in 2011, the organisers have been working to bring a new running event to Mansfield. Hundreds are expected to participate in the 10K race which aims to regenerate interest in the town centre and promote healthy living and wellbeing.

The race route, which consists of two 5k circuits of the town centre, starting at Titchfield Park at 9.30am, has also been chosen as the Notts AAA County Championships race for 2015.

To keep up to date with Reach Mansfield 10K news and to sign up, visit www.mansfield10K.co.uk Join in the conversation on Twitter (@Mansfield10K) and Facebook (‘Mansfield 10K’), with #Mansfield10K.

Doug Carroll’s JustGiving page can be found at justgiving.com/Sammy-Stag