The annual Race for Life event takes place in York on Sunday (May 19) - and the race is on to ensure the city's largest employer fields its biggest-ever squad.

City of York Council's team is currently 60-strong but team managers are aiming to boost that number by reminding staff that they cannot enter on the day and must register by this Friday (May 17).

Race for Life, the national, annual race run by women to raise money for research into women's cancer, is bidding to get 250,000 women running in races across the country at the weekend with the aim of raising £12m for cancer charities.

York's fifth Race for Life, a 5km event, will be held on Sunday (May 19) from 11am on the Knavesmire.

This year's race will attract teams and individuals from across the city but the message from City of York Council today was that there is still enough time for other people and teams to enter.

The council is hoping that some 120 staff will compete and active leisure leader Lorraine Murphy said, "It is important to stress that no-one can turn up and join in on the day so Friday really is their last opportunity.

"We are hoping to field our biggest-ever team and there is still time for staff to register and to come and join us on Sunday. Running as part of a team is an even more exciting way to help Race for Life and have a great day."

The council squad has teamed up with staff at the Barbican, Courtney's Gym and Fitness First to limber up for Sunday's big event with specific training sessions to physically prepare women of all ages and abilities for the race.

The sessions have been running since March and will continue right up until Sunday.

Lorraine said, "It's been a great deal of fun but most of the sessions have been targeted at providing real benefits such as providing gains in cardiovascular, endurance and stamina."

Dave Martin, Cancer Research UK's Race for Life local organiser, said, "The training sessions have been a complete success giving all women the opportunity to prepare for the event".

Any City of York Council employee wanting to join the team on Sunday should contact Lorraine Murphy on 01904 553366 by Friday. Anyone else wanting to run on Sunday and submit an entry form can also contact Lorraine.

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