RUNNERS taking part in tomorrow’s Jane Tomlinson York 10K have been given a boost by British Olympic Association chairman Lord Coe.

Instrumental in organising last year’s London Olympics, Lord Coe, himself an Olympic gold medal winner, said: “Jane Tomlinson was a true inspiration and it is fantastic her legacy lives on in the running events that bear her name.

“What Jane achieved in the face of such a terrible illness is incomparable but by taking part in one of her Run For All events, everyone can challenge themselves in their own way.

“I hope everyone who takes part has a brilliant day and achieves a personal goal and raises lots of money for their favourite charity.”

Up to 6,000 runners will take part in the fifth annual York 10K, organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, starting on Knavesmire at 9.30am, where the race will also finish.

Charities to benefit will be the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support, Martin House Children’s Hospice, Sue Ryder, Candlelighters, Yorkshire Cancer Research, York Teaching Hospital Charity, Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire and Clic Sargent.

Charlie Tatman, from Run For All, said: “The York 10K always throws up some really inspirational stories and we’re looking forward to another great year.”

Participants include Keisha Meek, 21, running in memory of her dad, Ian, who carried the Olympic Torch through York last year and raised £110,000 for brain tumour research before his death.

“My dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1994 and it became cancerous in 2009. “He took part in all sorts of charitable events before his death and I want to keep his legacy going by doing my bit,” she said.

Mike Francis, of Acomb, is raising funds for the Guy Francis Research Fund to help bone cancer sufferers in tribute to his son Guy who died in 2002, aged 23.

Teams of about 250 businessmen and women will vie to be crowned the fastest in the Morrison Utility Services York 10K Corporate Challenge while about 500 children will take part in Mini and Junior fun runs.

Adrian Fitzpatrick, of Arena Group, which is supporting the children’s events, allowing children to run for free, said: “It’s such a heart-warming event that not only encourages young people to get involved in sport and physical activity but also instils in them the idea of supporting charity from an early age. It’s very fitting that this year’s chosen cause is the children’s ward at York Hospital.”

• Buy The Press on Monday for a special eight-page souvenir supplement on the York 10k