Thousands take part in Jane Tomlinson’s York 10k run (From York Press)

Thousands take part in Jane Tomlinson’s York 10k run

10:12am Monday 2nd August 2010 in

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They came in their thousands from all walks of life to take part in this year’s Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All York 10k. The race, which attracted participants from across the county, has been hailed even bigger and better than the inaugural event last year. JENNIFER BELL reports.

NEARLY 6,000 runners set off from Knavesmire yesterday morning in the event, set up in memory of the inspirational fundraiser who dedicated the last years of her life to raising money for charity while battling cancer.

Supportive crowds in their thousands lined the route, which began and finished on Knavesmire, from as early as 8am. They cheered on those who ran, walked or wheeled around the course for a wealth of good causes.

World Cup winning legend Sir Geoff Hurst had intended on running in the event, but a knee injury prevented him from taking part.

The current president of partner charity Sparks, which raises money for children’s medical research, instead whipped the crowds into a frenzy by cheering on the thousands of runners.

He led the countdown to the second-ever Run For All 10k and high-fived jubilant runners as they crossed the start line.

“It’s a great day for the runners, their families and the city,” he said. “The 10k Run For All is a fantastic event and it is great to see so many people, both taking part and cheering the runners along.

“As the current president of Sparks, I am honoured to be here. Jane Tomlinson played a fantastic role in helping to raise awareness of Sparks’ pioneering work in the field of paediatric medical research and I am lucky to be able to see that continue.”

This year’s route took participants into the city centre via Bishopthorpe Road taking in sections of the city walls via Nunnery Lane. Runners then passed many of York landmarks, highlights including York Minster and Clifford’s Tower before heading to the racecourse along the River Ouse.

As the runners began streaming past the finish flag, jubilation and relief were etched on the tired faces of particpants from all walks of life who had come together for a single reason – to raise as much money as possible for a wealth of good causes.

The York 10k marked a personal highlight for Yorkshire-born model Nell McAndrew, who is a Run For All veteran. She scored a personal best time of 39 minutes, 51 seconds and was placed in the top five fastest women.

She ran the course alongside York-born runner John Oliver, who she said supported her along the route.

“He kept saying: ‘come on Nell you can do it!’,” she said. “Everyone was supportive, the crows were cheering and it really gives you that extra surge of energy. It felt brilliant to cross the finishing line.

“Doing runs like this is almost like being in a huge nightclub and bumping into people you know, but have not seen in a while. It is great to be part of this running family, where you know a lot of people also doing something you love, for a wealth of great causes.”

National Hunt horseracing legend Richard Dunwoody, winner of the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup with Desert Orchid, also took part.

He said: “It was a brilliant event and well done to everyone who took part and to those who came and supported everyone along.”

Suzanne Tomlinson, Jane’s daughter, represented the Tomlinson family at the event. Her father Mike, brother Stephen and sister Rebecca are taking part in a 2,500-mile cycle challenge from Istanbul to Leeds for the Run For All charity.

Suzanne said: “The event this year is even bigger and better than last year with more runners than ever taking part. Last year was an enormous success, this has been even better and it is fast becoming for one of the most popular Run For All events.

“I would say to anyone who didn’t take part in this year’s event to quickly sign up for next year’s event before all the places are snapped up.”

City of York Council leader Andrew Waller was at the finishing line to cheer runners as they ran the final few steps of the race.

He said: “There is an enormous amount of people today who have come together for a great cause.

“Especially being Yorkshire Day there was a great atmosphere from those running, walking or wheeling round the course as there was from the crowds who lined the course. It is a fantastic event, both in terms of raising money for a wealth of good causes and for the city Of York.”

Profits for the York 10K will be shared by the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and its partner charities which will again be COCO, Macmillan, Martin House and Sparks. Runners were free to raise sponsorship for any charity they chose.

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