Olympic legend Ron Hill celebrated his Freedom of the Borough award with a run up the Coppice.
The long distance runner was joined by around 40 family, friends, Clayton Harriers members and school children after a special ceremony at Accrington town hall.
Accrington-born Ron, 73, was granted the borough's highest honour at a full council meeting earlier this week in recognition of his record-breaking athletic achievements.
The former Springhill and Accrington Grammar School pupil said he was 'very proud' to receive the award.
He told the packed council chamber: "It is with the deepest humility and gratitude that I accept this award.
"It did come as a surprise and I have never been honoured this way before. To come to the town of my birth and receive this is just magical."
Messages of support were also read out by friends and councillors during the ceremony.
Andy O'Sullivan MBE, who joined Ron in Athens in 1985 for his 100th marathon, described Ron as a 'living legend'.
He said: "Ron is an Accrington lad through and through and his first love was cross-country which he excelled at.
"Over the years he's given the man in the street the inspiration to become a runner."
Harriers member William Hill said he will 'always be welcome back in Accrington'.
Council leader Miles Parkinson said it was a 'fitting tribute' to honour Ron during the Olympic year.
After the ceremony, Ron lead the group of runners on a three-mile run up the Coppice from the Whittakers Arms on Burnley Road before returning to the pub for refreshments.
See video from the run below ...
Ron was born on Dale Street in Accrington in September 1938 and later joined the Clayton Harriers in 1953.
He met his wife May at the old Mortimers Dance Hall in Accrington when he was 16-years-old before marrying five years later at Church Kirk in Church.
The grandfather-of-one competed in a British vest in three Olympics and ran in two Olympic marathons in Tokyo 1964 and Munich 1972.
He specialised in long distance events including the 10,000 metres and the marathon, winning nine gold medals at the 1969 European Championships and the Commonwealth Games in 1970.
He also set a course record time at the 74th Boston Marathon in 1970 and the following year was awarded an MBE for services to athletics.
In May this year, the textile chemistry graduate was given the honour of unveiling a coat of arms in the Market Hall in honour of the Queen's visit.
His career has also been celebrated with a large mural which is on display in the Market Hall.
