On Sunday 10^th October, Crystal Palace will welcome over 1000 runners who are taking up the challenge to Run 10K for Cancer Research UK, to help beat cancer. The National Sports Stadium will be opening its gates to play host to the start of the race, with participants and supporters gathering trackside, to warm up and reflect on the cause, before the horn sounds, and the challenge begins.

The course will then pass the Bandstand, ruins of the former Crystal Palace and Crystal Palace History Museum before heading up to the very beautiful flower gardens at the top of the park. The route then returns back down to the park before heading down past the old ski slope and through the ‘forest’ and in to the Victorian Jurassic Park.

Cancer Research UK’s Run 10k, supported by Tesco, is a series of 20 fundraising events which will take place throughout the UK this autumn. Cancer Research UK is hoping that 50,000 men and women will come together to raise over £5 million to help fund the charity’s life saving work.

The organisers are keen to show that most people can take part in a 10k run with just a little bit of training. Research shows that being physically active can reduce the risk of cancer and just 30 minutes of moderate activity a day, five days a week, can have a positive effect on your overall health. Specially designed training advice is available to download via the Charity’s Run10k website www.run10k.org, tailored for everyone from novice to accomplished runners.

The Event Manager for the Crystal Palace Run 10K, Louise Needham, said: “This event is a great opportunity to have fun, get fit and raise money to beat cancer. We are encouraging men and women of all running abilities to sign up to Run 10k in London. Although the distance might sound like a challenge, lots of people can achieve it with a little bit of training and the Run 10k website provides the perfect place to pick up tips.

“Every day, around 74 people are diagnosed with cancer in London. By taking part in Run 10k, and supporting Cancer Research UK’s crucial work, people in London could make a big difference to cancer patients here on their doorstep. So our message to local people is: raise it, run it, beat it so that we can continue our life saving work.”

Cancer Research UK spent nearly £154 million last year in London on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. Cancer Research UK researchers at Hammersmith Hospital have a strong track-record in research to improve treatments for cancer. They are currently working to understand how and why some breast and lung cancers become resistant to treatments and how they can best tackle this to improve survival in people with these types of cancer.

Rosannah Dawood, National Event Manager for Cancer Research UK said:

“Everyone has a different reason for entering Run 10k. Many are new to running and are trying to get fit whilst others take part to beat their personal best time. Some use the event as a focus while they are coping with cancer treatment or coming to terms with the loss of a loved one. Whatever the reason, everyone crosses the finish line with a huge sense of achievement knowing how far they have gone to help beat cancer.”

As well as the participants, these events also rely on the excellent work of a team of dedicated volunteers, who help on the day with everything from registration, setting up the course, handing out water and goodie bags, and marshalling along the route. If you are interested in helping out on the day, please email louise.needham@cancer.org.uk for more information.

To enter Cancer Research UK’s Run 10k visit www.run10k.org. Entry for the Crystal Palace event closes on Tuesday 5^th October.