Referee ready to send off thousands of York 10k runners (From York Press)

Referee Howard Webb ready to send off thousands of York 10k runners

9:54am Thursday 17th January 2013 in News By Jennifer Bell, jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk

Howard Webb blows his whistle for the start of last year’s race

WORLD Cup final referee Howard Webb blew the whistle to officially kick-start Jane Tomlinson’s York 10K 2013.

The 2010 World Cup match official urged the thousands of runners that pound the city’s streets every year to dig out their running shoes once again and sign up to score their place in the city’s best-loved running event on Sunday August 4.

Howard, who took part in last year’s race and secured a personal best time of 42 minutes 44 seconds, said: “The Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All York 10k was a great event to be a part of.

“I loved the course, loved the run, loved the support from the people. York is such a beautiful place; it does take your mind off the pain of running.

“It’s something that anybody can do. I’ve seen people in their 80s or 90s doing it, all sorts of shapes and sizes. The sense of satisfaction when you do cross the finishing line is a genuine one,” he said.

“The atmosphere around the course was brilliant, both among the runners and from the hordes of people cheering us on from the sidelines. Running the York 10k gave me such a buzz and made me feel part of something quite special, where the human spirit shone through. I will definitely be signing up to take part in 2013 and I hope there’ll be many more that join me.”

About 6,000 runners, joggers and first-timers are expected to race through the historic city as part of the fifth annual, Asda Foundation-sponsored event.

Starting and finishing on Knavesmire at York Racecourse, the route will take runners past York Minster, the city walls and attractions such as Clifford’s Tower and the Shambles.

As well as supporting the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, other charities to benefit include Macmillan, Martin House, St Leonard’s Hospice, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Candlelighters, Brain Tumour Research and Support, Sue Ryder, Clic Sargent and The York Teaching Hospital Charity.

Event director Sara Birkinshaw said: “Our York 10K is undoubtedly one of the most stunning 10K routes in the North of England.”

The Asda Foundation Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All York 10K starts at 9.30am Sunday, August 4.

Entries for the event are now open. Runners can print off a form or enter online at forallevents.co.uk/run-for-all and click on York 10k.