THE countdown to the third Jane Tomlinson 10K run in York has begun.

In only four days time, more than 6,000 people will line up at York Racecourse to take part in the race set up in memory of the inspirational fundraiser, who dedicated the final years of her life to raising money for charity while suffering from cancer.

Joining the start line again this year will be BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration, who will be officially starting the Run For All event, and Lord Mayor David Horton will also be running the ten-kilometre route.

Jane’s widower and Run For All organiser Mike Tomlinson said: “It’s another record field for the York 10K, with more than 6,000 people taking part.

“Without doubt it’s one of the most scenic city runs in the country and showcases the city at its best. Hopefully the fundraising total will mirror the entries and hit new heights.”

Among those taking part is Martin Rigby, of Haxby. The rugby ace played for York RUFC for ten seasons, and captained them to a Yorkshire Shield victory in 1981 until a sporting injury forced him to retire from the game.

He has undergone three bouts of surgery to remove four cartilages from his knee, but despite his injury he will be taking part in the charity run to raise cash for Prostate Cancer Research.

The 57-year-old, a former Nestlé worker, lost his mother and brother-in-law to cancer, and has seen his sister and a close friend fight breast cancer.

This year more than 20,000 people registered to take part in the Run For All series in Hull, Leeds and York, with more than50 different charities benefiting, both nationally and locally.

Also joining the start line in York this year will be hundreds of children taking part in the Arena Group Junior and Mini Run.

Thousands from all walks of life will be taking part in the adult, junior and children’s events, with the youngest participant aged only three and the eldest aged 84.

The Jane Tomlinson Appeal, which supports children’s and cancer charities, has a number of partner charities for the York 10K, including Martin House, Macmillan Cancer Support and Coco.

The event will begin and end at Knavesmire and pass York landmarks including the Minster, the River Ouse and the former Terry’s factory.

Ensuring it all runs smoothly

HUNDREDS of volunteers are desperately needed to help at this Sunday’s Jane Tomlinson 10K run.

Thousands of runners will be taking part in the York Run For All event.

Together, they hope to raise tens of thousands of pounds to help a wealth of charities continue their lifesaving work.

But to make sure the event goes smoothly, about 250 volunteers are needed on the day to get involved with tasks such as marshalling the course and handing out medals, water and goody bags at the finish line. Jane’s widower, Mike, said: “A small army of dedicated volunteers is needed to ensure the success of the York 10K.

“We need volunteers to help with jobs including marshalling, manning drinks stations, and helping runners before and after the event.

“There is a great team spirit among the volunteers and the fantastic support of all those who help means that we are able to maximise the funds raised for charity.”

To volunteer, email volunteer@runforall.com

Roads closing along the route of the 10K event

The following roads will be closed between 7am and 2pm. Roads will be progressively reopened between 10.15am and 11.15am, depending on the time when the last competitor passes.

Albion Street, Aldreth Grove, Aldwark, Anne Street, Baile Hill Terrace, Bartle Garth, Bedern, Beresford Terrace, Bewlay Street, Bishophill Junior, Bishophill Senior, Bishopthorpe Road, Blake Street, Board Street, Bridge Street, Buckingham Street, Butcher Terrace, Cameron Grove, Campleshon Road, Carl Street, Carmelite Street, Castlegate, Chapter House Street, Charlton Street, Cherry Street, Church Street, Clementhorpe, Clifford Street, Colenso Street, College Street, Coney Street, Coppergate, Cromwell Road, Cumberland Street, Darnborough Street, Deangate, Dewsbury Terrace, Duncombe Place, Dundas Street, Ebor Street, Fairfax Street, Feassegate, Fenwick Street, Fetter Lane, Finsbury Avenue, Finsbury Street, Garden Place, Goodramgate, Hampden Street, High Petergate, Hungate, Kings Staith, Knavesmire Road, Kyme Street, Lambert Court, Little Shambles, Little Stonegate, Low Ousegate, Low Petergate, Lower Darnborough Street, Lower Ebor Street, Market Street, Micklegate, Ousebridge, Minster Yard, New Street, Newton Terrace, Norfolk Street, North Street, Nunnery Lane, Nunnery Lane (eastbound), Nunthorpe Crescent, Nunthorpe Drive, Nunthorpe View, Ogleforth, Palmer Lane, Parliament Street, Patrick Pool, Peter Lane, Postern Close, Priory Street, Prospect Terrace, Racecourse Road, Rectory Gardens, Reginald Grove, Richardson Street, River Street, Shambles, Silver Street, Skeldergate, Smales Street, Southlands Road, Spen Lane, Spurriergate, St Andrewgate, St Chad's Wharf, St Clements Grove, St Helen’s Square, St Saviourgate, St Saviour’s, Stonegate, Teck Street, Terry Avenue, Terry Street, The Stonebow, Tower Street, Trinity Lane, Victor Street, Vine Street, and Wellington Road.

Cycle tracks along the route will also be closed.