Runners are encouraged to put their best foot forward in the Alnwick Castle 10K run for Cancer Research UK.

This year it is hoped that more than 1,000 runners will dust off their running shoes and help raise more than £50,000 for the charity.

RELATED ARTICLES
- Get yourself fighting fit with The Northumberland Gazette's 10k training schedule

And the county's major figurehead is urging people from across the North East to take part in the fun run.

The Duke said: "The Duchess and I are absolutely delighted to be hosting a Cancer Research UK 10K event at the castle again this year.

"It is fast becoming a real highlight in the town's annual calendar and I am really thrilled that each year more and more people from across the region take the opportunity to come and visit our beautiful town and show their support for such a worthy cause."

He added: "Everyone affected by cancer, both now and in the future, is relying on the help of Cancer Research UK.

"I would urge all would-be runners across the region to come to the castle in September and do their bit to help beat cancer."

The Duke has also backed the campaign to find one special person to wear the prestigious number 1 shirt at the event.

The runner will be chosen because they have survived cancer, because a loved-one has been touched by cancer or because of their previous fund-raising efforts.

The Duke said: "The messages pinned to the back of the runners' shirts are incredibly moving. Every individual has their own cancer story and I'm sure there are many, many people who deserve the number 1 honour, I hope they won't be too modest to come forward."

The run, which is sponsored by the Northumberland Gazette, starts and finishes in the beautiful river-side pastures at the foot of the castle walls and the course takes in the tranquil grandeur of Hulne Park.

As a special bonus this year, runners are to be offered free entry to the castle on the day of the event and their friends and family will be offered generous discounts on entry prices.

Andy Wilson, Cancer Research UK event organiser, said: "I am really delighted that the Northumberland Gazette are our media partners for this event and I really hope that many of the paper's readers will rise to the challenge of taking part in Run 10K.

"It is the perfect opportunity to get into the great outdoors and raise money to help beat cancer.

"We need local people to take part and raise money to help us continue our life-saving work.

"This is why we're urging everyone to come and join us.

"With some training, running 10km is an achievable challenge for most people, and it is perfectly acceptable to 'run a bit, walk a bit' at our events.

"Why don't you challenge your friends and family to take part with you?"
The event takes place on Sunday, September 7, and is open to men and women aged over 16. Novices at the 10K distance are very warmly welcomed. To enter visit www.run10k.org.

Anyone who would like to nominate themselves, or a relative or friend, should e-mail Andy Wilson at andy.wilson@cancer.org.uk

RELATED ARTICLES- See the race VIDEO from last year's race