Council workers have been trying on their running shoes for size in the run-up to the city's Race for Life on Sunday May 16.

IN TRAINING: Members of City of York Council's leisure services department in training for the Race for Life. Pictured, from left, are Marie Dawson, Gwen Thompson, Hayley Wilkinson, Vicky Japes and Michelle Bainbridge

Picture: Garry Atkinson

The leisure services department at the City of York Council is working with the Imperial Cancer Research Fund to organise the women-only 5km run at the Knavesmire.

So it was only fitting that women workers from the office should get involved in the event, which aims to raise money for research into cancers which affect women.

David Martin, council co-ordinator for the race, said office workers had got together to raise one big pot of cash rather than having individual sponsor forms.

Meanwhile, the women had been doing varying amounts of practice.

"Some have been following training plans, and others are taking a more casual approach," he said.

The Race for Life is taking place in 54 towns and cities across the country from now until August and national organisers hope to raise £3 million.

This is the second annual race in York. Last year 400 women raised more than £19,000 here.

Sunday's race will be started by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Derek Smallwood.

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