THE countdown to York's 10k was started today by former England manager Steve McClaren on a trip back to his home town.

Fresh from defeat to Ipswich, the Derby county boss helped launch the event alongside Mike Tomlinson, whose late wife Jane inspired the race, and charity mascots outside the Minster.

Registration is open for the race, which will start and end at the racecourse on Sunday, August 3, and organisers are hoping even more people will sign up to help raise funds for great causes.

Steve McClaren said: "This is a great event and it's a pleasure to be back here supporting it.

“I would urge as many people as possible to sign up for this wonderful event. Those taking part get to run through such a great city and raise money for a charity of their choice – it really is a win-win situation.

“Jane Tomlinson was an inspirational figure and this event is a big part of her legacy.

"Hopefully I will be donning my shorts and taking part myself. I spent most of my school days cycling around York so running around it will be something different for me."

Getting involved should be a "no brainer" for people in York, he added.

The event, which was set up as part of the legacy of inspirational fundraiser Jane Tomlinson, will take place for the sixth time this year, but her husband Mike said the most important aspect was not building Jane's legacy but encouraging people to get involved.

"Jane would see this in the same way I see it. It's a great way to raise money for charities, get people active, and make a difference to people who are less fortunate."

With four months to go before the race, runners have plenty of time to train and with the clocks going forward and summertime starting this weekend the conditions are perfect for people to start training.

He urged people to sign up early and set themselves a target.

"There's nothing better than entering a race and going for it," he said.

Even though the event could be daunting the 10k distance is achievable for a lot of people, he added.

"We have had a 90 year old World War Two veteran being pushed round in a wheelchair, and a 93 year old running it to prove to his employers he was still fit enough to work."

Mike and Steve were joined at the launch by representatives of the event’s partner charities – Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire, CLIC Sargent, Macmillan Cancer Support, Martin House Children’s Hospice, St Leonard’s Hospice, Sue Ryder, Candlelighters, Yorkshire Cancer Research, York Teaching Hospital Charity and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. Runners can opt to raise money for a partner charity or another good cause of their choice.

The event also incorporates the Morrison Utility Services Corporate Challenge, and the free Arena Group York Mini and Junior Run for children.

For more information, or to enter, go to www.runforall.com