Big drive is launched to sign up thousands for York 10K charity run (From York Press)

Big drive is launched to sign up thousands for 2012 Jane Tomlinson York 10K charity run

9:00am Wednesday 5th October 2011 in York 10k news By Jennifer Bell, jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk

FOR three years they have come together in their thousands from all walks of life with a single intention – to raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity.

Now, people across the city are being urged to take part in Jane Tomlinson’s York 10K for the fourth consecutive year.

The event, which was officially launched yesterday, will start and finish in York city centre on Sunday, August 5, next year, and will this time be sponsored by the Asda Foundation, the charitable arm of the supermarket chain.

Paralympic hopeful Hannah Cockcroft joined Mike Tomlinson for the official launch for the 2012 Run For All series.

Hannah, a double world champion wheelchair race and Paralympic hopeful, is helping to promote the runs.

Speaking at the launch she told The Press: “The York and Leeds 10k is where I started my career and it was actually there where people raised money to buy me a wheelchair. Now I really want to be able to give something back and encourage other people to take part.

“If I can do it in a wheelchair, then anyone can do it.”

Mike said: “We are trying to get everyone to set a target and our campaign this year is ‘run for gold’.

“In 2012 it will be ten years since Jane took part in her first marathon and while the challenge she set herself might seem unattainable to most, you can set your own personal goal, whether it’s the first time you have done a 10k, or to get the fastest time, wear the most outrageous outfit or be part of the biggest group taking part.”

Last year in York alone more than 6,000 runners, walkers and joggers took to the streets. The York run, which helps raise cash for The Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Martin House Hospice and Macmillan Cancer, along with new partner charities, St Leonard’s Hospice and Bone Cancer Research Trust, has raised an incredible £500,000 to date.

Entry for the run in York, of which The Press is a media partner, as well as Leeds and Hull costs £20.12 each, but only for a limited time. Season tickets guaranteeing places in all three Yorkshire runs are currently available for £50.

Details of many of next year's events together with registration forms are available at www.runforall.com