HUNDREDS of businessmen and women will battle it out to be the fastest firm in the city as part of the York 10K corporate challenge.

This year's event was launched yesterday outside York Minster and organisers hope to build on the success of last year's race which saw more than 250 business people take part from across Yorkshire, running through the city centre on August 3.

Morrison Utility Services - a loyal supporter since the inaugural 10k event in 2009 - has once again pledged its support for the corporate challenge.

Speaking at the launch event, Morrison's construction manager, Mike West, said: "We have been involved right from the very start. I have known Mike Tomlinson for years, we used to go to school together. He asked us to get involved at the start and it is good for the business.

"We had about 60 of our own people taking part last year and we are hoping for about 80 this year."

Accountancy company Garbutt and Elliott, which has offices in York and Leeds, has already gathered a team to take part.

Payroll executive Tom McCisker said: "We look forward to participating every year. The support we get from colleagues, whether through donating to charity or providing support on the day, really pulls everyone together."

Teams taking part in the event, which was originally started by Mike Tomlinson, husband of Jane, the inspirational fundraiser and cancer sufferer who dedicated the final years of her life to raising money for charity, enjoy hospitality on race day and are also invited to a pre-event social evening.

At this event competitors will be able to pit their wits and physical prowess against each other in a cycle-themed 10K tournament in honour of the Tour de France.

The corporate challenge is open to teams of five or more. The times of the first three team members home are added together and averaged out, with the quickest team carrying off the prizes and the bragging rights.

For more information, and to enter, visit www.runforall.com