York Guard backs city charity run

A touch of Tudor pageantry will be lent to a modern charity event when the York Guard joins 2018’s R U Taking The P? race next month.

Members of the ceremonial group, whose red uniforms and halberds are a frequent feature of civic events in York, have decided to back the run that raises money for York Against Cancer and for Professor Norman Maitland’s prostate cancer research at the University of York.

Their decision came after RUTTP? organiser Brian Hughes, Beadle of the Freemen of York, met the Guard at a recent event, and invited them to join the 5K males-only race.

Dr Charles Kightly, Standard Bearer of the Guard, said: “We thought, ‘Yes, we can do this!’.  We had heard of the run, thought it was a jolly good cause, and we wanted to do what we could to help.

“We won’t be running, as we will be in our uniforms and carrying halberds, but we will walk the course and if anyone wants to walk along behind us they will be welcome.”

Brian said: “We think this is a fantastic gesture by the York Guard and they will bring some real colour to the event. We’re looking forward to having them with us.”

The race will take place as usual on Father’s Day, which falls on Sunday June 17. This year the race starts and finishes in Bishopthorpe Road, where traders are holding a day-long street party with attractions for all the family.

Individual entries to run or walk the course cost £17 and father-and-son teams cost £25 provided the son is aged eight to 16.

You can enter the race at http://www.yorkagainstcancer.org.uk/events/r-u-taking-p or call 01904 764466 for an entry form. Sponsorship forms are also available if you’d like to raise money through taking part.