A RECORD number of runners who took to the streets of York this summer raised £14,000 for cancer research and care.

Almost 400 men and boys took part in this year's R U Taking The P?, York’s annual males-only 5K fun run, on Father’s Day, which was the biggest turn-out the event has ever seen.

Those raising funds have contributed £7,000 to the prostate cancer research work of Professor Norman Maitland at the University of York.

They have also raised the same amount for York Against Cancer, the charity funding cancer care, research and education in York, North and East Yorkshire.

Organisers of the event, held in and around Bishopthorpe Road, gathered at Professor Maitland’s laboratory on Monday – International Men’s Day - to hand over the proceeds of this year’s event to him and to York Against Cancer.

David Harper, one of the organisers, said: "International Men’s Day is all about men leading by example.

"It’s the perfect platform for us to encourage men over 50 to get tested for prostate cancer."

This year’s run started in Bishopthorpe Road for the first time, joining forces with the Bishopthorpe Road Traders’ Association. They laid on a day-long street party with attractions for all the family.

Brian Hughes, founder of RUTTP?, said this year’s event had been bigger and better than ever.

“I was really delighted by the atmosphere which was even more exciting because of the link with the Bishy Road traders,” he commented.

“We can’t thank them enough.”

Professor Norman Maitland said: “The extra funds support new approaches with our current programme. Without it our ability to innovate would be compromised.”

Julie Russell, general manager of York Against Cancer, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took part to raise money for our work. It will make a real difference to local people living with cancer.”

Organisers are already looking forward to next year’s event and hoping that more runners than ever will join them to raise money for the two good causes.

Anyone interested in enrolling should phone York Against Cancer on 01904 764466 or email office@yorkagainstcancer.org.uk