ORGANISERS are gearing up for this year's men-only 5K race in York on Father's Day.

R U Taking The P? has the backing of panto dame Berwick Kaler who is reminding runners that for the first time, the race will be starting in Bishopthorpe Road.

In past years the event has kicked off in nearby Rowntree Park, but for 2018 organisers have joined forces with Bishy Road traders, who are making it a full family fun day with one of their famous street parties.

Children’s attractions, music and sport are planned, and crowds of spectators and shoppers are expected to come along.

The party is sure to boost the fundraising from the race, which supports the work of city charity York Against Cancer as well as research into prostate cancer by Professor Norman Maitland at the University of York.

“It’s a fantastic charity effort,” said Berwick, star of York Theatre Royal’s annual panto, as he popped in to Bishy Road with YAC’s general manager Julie Russell ahead of the Father’s Day event.

“I will be here on Sunday, June 17 and I might shock you – I might go two or three yards, who knows?

“We’re breaking with tradition in starting from here in Bishopthorpe Road, so please come along – it is a fantastic atmosphere.”

Julie said she was delighted that Berwick and the Bishy Road traders were supporting RUTTP? 2018. “It’s fabulous,” she said.

“They’re making this a day to remember for everyone.”

There’s still time to sign up for the race.

Individual entries to run or walk the course cost £17 and father-and-son teams cost £25 provided the son is aged eight to 16.

You can enter at http://www.yorkagainstcancer.org.uk/events/r-u-taking-p or call 01904 764466 for an entry form. Sponsorship forms are available if you’d like to raise money through taking part.

You can also sign up on the day – but whatever you do, don’t forget that the race will now start in Bishopthorpe Road at 9.30am on June 17.