Boys Beating Cancer Returns on Sunday!

'Race for Life' for men

THE boys will be back in town when Boys Beating Cancer returns to West Berkshire on Sunday.

The annual event was co-created in 2006 by former Newbury man, Robert Dore, who came up with the idea of organising a 5k charity run for men after his mother died from cancer.

The run is open to men and boys of all ages and has taken inspiration from the women’s equivalent – Race for Life – while raising money for Cancer Research UK.

The event has grown each year, with more than 600 runners taking part in 2014, and it will return to Newbury Showground on Sunday.

Event manager Anne Skelton said: “We have embraced and welcomed men and boys from all walks of life, all abilities and even those recovering from cancer, going through treatment for cancer and those who have been affected by the loss of someone through cancer.

“We have a dream to hit more than 1,000 entries for 2016 and are working hard to spread the word and encourage as many men and boys to take part.

“We have a fantastic team of volunteers who help to make this event run smoothly.”

New for this year, the event will start with a 200m toddler dash at 10.45am followed by a 1km family fun run at 11am.

Then it’s time for the main event – the 5km and 10km runs – at 11.30am.

Organisers suggest that racers arrive from 9.30am and warm-ups will take place 10 to 15 minutes before the start of each race.

Activities for the family will be available, including a bouncy castle and go-karts.

The event will be opened by the mayor of Newbury, Julian Swift-Hook, and Hungerford reality TV entertainer Jane Buckle.

For more details on Boys Beating Cancer, contact Anne Skelton on 07919 522020 or visit www.boysbeatingcancer.org