A ‘RESOLUTION Run’ - which could help reduce your risk of a stroke by 20 per cent - will take place in York.

Research suggests that moderate to intense exercise - from walking to jogging or cycling - can “significantly reduce your stroke risk”, and the Stroke Association has set up a series of 5km, 10km and 15km ‘Resolution Runs’ where participants can choose their distances, improve their help, and raise money for the charity.

The charity has organised 34 runs across the UK from February 17 to May 5, with the York event set to take place on Knavesmire on Sunday, March 10.

Professor Tom Robinson, President of the British Association of Stroke Physicians, said: “You don’t have to be an athlete to reduce your stroke risk, we can all do it as part of our daily routine. Simply taking part in at least 30 minutes of activity, which helps you break a sweat about three to four times a week will help. Remember, the more you do, the more you can reduce your risk.

“The preparation for and taking part in a Resolution Run could reduce your stroke risk. However, it is equally important to remember that you need to maintain this level of exercise to keep your stroke risk low. If you start small, training in short bursts and build up you are more likely to succeed and keep going in the long term too.”

Entry costs £16, and all runners receive a t-shirt and medal. To enter or for more information go to resolutionrun.org.uk, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or phone 0300 3300740.