SURREY - Mayor Dianne Watts and the rest of Surrey council will be participating in the Surrey International World Music Marathon, set for Sept 18 to 20.

Watts will be participating in the inaugural event despite suffering a serious back injury in a horseback riding accident in July, 2011. The mayor said she is far enough into her recovery to be able to participate in the 5K Concert Run/Walk.

"This is an important new event for the City of Surrey and I'm thrilled to be able to support it," Watts said. "I will be walking in the 5K portion of the event and hope that people from across the city come out and join me."

The 5K Concert Run/Walk will allow participants of all abilities to take part in the event.

And the rest of council is joining Watts. Councillors Judy Villeneuve, Bruce Hayne, Marvin Hunt, Mary Martin and Barb Steele will also participate in the 5K walk.

Coun. Linda Hepner has agreed to walk the half marathon and Coun. Barinder Rasode has already been training for some time to run the half marathon.

"We're thrilled the mayor is showing this kind of leadership and participating," said marathon chair Elizabeth Model. "We're calling on the entire community to register to come out and support the mayor by walking alongside her."

For those interested in participating in the inaugural event in the full, half, relay, 5K or kids events, registration is open now at www.surreymarathon.com.