RUNNERS will be descending on Castle Howard this autumn to take part in a new 10km race in aid of cancer research.

The historic Ryedale venue is one of three stately homes chosen to host a series of 10km races for the charity, Cancer Research UK.

Each event will be limited to 1,000 entrants and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Castle Howard race will take place on Sunday, October 5 and registration opened last weekend. To secure a place, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/10 or ring the hotline on 0870 190 900.

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire will be hosting a 10km on the same day while October 4 is the date for the race at Leeds Castle in Kent.

The 10km races follow in the wake of the charity's women-only Race For Life 5km events and its new Cycle For Life sponsored ride.

Like the Cycle For Life, the 10km races will be open to men as well.

Louise Holland, National Events Director at Cancer Research UK, says: "We wanted to create a new event that was attractive to women who had taken part in Race For Life during the years but now wanted to take their running and fundraising to the next stage.

"It is also a chance for all those men who have been on the sidelines of Race For Life to put on their trainers and make their own contribution to fundraising.

"This is an ideal event for people to run together, share the achievement of crossing that finish line and raise money to help us cure cancer faster."

She added: "By choosing these venues, we hope to create the feel of a special day and not just stage a traditional road race. And family and friends who don't want to take part can still come along to support the runners as well as take the opportunity to spend time enjoying the grounds and houses."

Updated: 10:17 Monday, June 02, 2003