Exeter cancer charity calls for more runners

Organisers of the fourth Force/Francis Clark 10k Race at Powderham Castle have called for more runners to sign up for the annual event in a bid to break previous entry records and boost fundraising.

The event has grown considerably since the first race in 2010 and now features a 5k run and a 2k family run as well as 5k & 10k mountain bike rides around one of the most picturesque routes any runner or rider could wish for, taking in the Castle, the Exe Estuary, extensive woodland and the deer park.

Nearly 300 entries have been received so far but organisers are looking to exceed 600 participants for what is one of the most picturesque races in Exeter’s events calendar.

FORCE (Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, Exeter) has played a vital role in local cancer services for 26 years.  The charity’s work finances improvements in patient care through research, the purchase of advanced equipment and its Cancer Support and Information Centre located in the grounds of the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.

Sarah Daniels, Fund-raising Manager of FORCE, said: ”We’re very excited about this year’s race but entries have been slightly slower than we expected and we think it’s the good weather and holidays that have been distracting people.  We hope another call for entries will speed things up and help us reach our target of 600 plus runners.”

The event, including the chip-timed, UKA licensed 10k race, commences at 10.45am on Sunday 8th September with the main race getting underway at 11am. All runners receive medals and there are prizes for the first three men and first three women runners as well as fancy dress prizes for the running events.

Further information is available by visiting www.forcecancercharity.co.uk  or by calling 01392 402875.