Big success for R U Taking the P? 2017
Fathers, sons, friends and brothers gathered in York’s Rowntree Park for R U Taking The P?, the city’s annual 5K race to raise funds for prostate cancer research, care and awareness.
More than 300 runners lined up in glorious sunshine for the start of the race, held fittingly on Father’s Day and organised by RUTTP? founder Brian Hughes and York Against Cancer.
The competitors were sent on their way by York-based BBC presenter Clare Frisby, who said she was delighted so many men had come along to take part and urged even more to get involved. “The pink army at Race For Life raises millions and we need to get organised,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see so many of you here, and we are very, very grateful.”
First across the line at this year’s race was Stephen Kirk of City of York Athletics Club, ahead of eye-catching competitors such as York man Simon Starkey, who was braving the hot sunshine in a T Rex costume bought on eBay.
“It’s quite warm in here!”admitted Stephen, but he said he was determined to take part because he wanted to do his bit for the fight against cancer.
York Against Cancer chairman Steve Leveson was also among the participants. “It’s a great cause, and it’s good for York Against Cancer to be associated with it,” he said.
Many of the runners were sponsored and it is expected that thousands of pounds will have been raised. The money will be split between prostate cancer research by Professor Norman Maitland at the University of York, and York Against Cancer, which is this year marking its 30th anniversary with a £100,000 appeal.
Professor Maitland was unable to take part in this year’s race due to injury, but was there to watch. He praised the runners and encouraged men to sign up for next year’s event. “We need more men to do it, because the more we have, the more we know about prostate cancer and that will hopefully bring down the death rate.”
Brian Hughes, who launched RUTTP? in memory of a friend who died of prostate cancer, said he was delighted at the success of the 2017 event. “It’s been a beautiful day, with great weather – a wonderful opportunity for people to get together and think about those suffering from this awful disease. We are getting the awareness out there and we are hoping to raise lots of money. “