We're backing the Cambridge Town and Gown 10K
It's time to sign up for this year's run in aid of Muscular Dystrophy UK
The Cambridge Independent is pleased to announce its support for the Cambridge Town and Gown 10K run organised by the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK.
More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in the race and associated junior 3km fun run on Sunday October 22.
Registration is now open for the event, which the charity hopes will raise £60,000 to help it fund vital research and offer invaluable support to those with muscle-wasting diseases.
It is the sixth year that the race has been held in Cambridge, but the series dates back to 1981.
Cambridge Independent editor Paul Brackley said: “We are delighted to team up with Muscular Dystrophy UK for the Cambridge Town and Gown 10K, which is always a terrific event.
“The charity performs brilliant work to help people with muscle-wasting conditions, including funding research into effective treatments and cures, so those taking part will not only get to enjoy a scenic – and mercifully flat – route, but will also be supporting a very good cause.”
The 10k takes place on closed roads and through green spaces.
The course, which will have minor tweaks this year, will loop around Cambridge city centre, taking in Jesus Green and Midsummer Common, following the River Cam along Riverside and returning to the finish on Midsummer Common via Walnut Tree Avenue, Newmarket Road and Maids Causeway.
It is a highly-respected run popular with serious runners, due to its professional organisation and chip timing. Those who provide their mobile number when signing up will receive an SMS with their chip time shortly after they finish.
Runners are also encouraged to wear orange – the charity’s colour.
Jane Mathews, of Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “We are always thrilled when our Town and Gown 10K runners turn up in their best orange outfits. We’ve seen plenty over the years: tonnes of tutus, a fair few tigers and even a Mrs Tickle at this year’s Oxford Town and Gown!
“Wearing orange creates a fantastic atmosphere, but it’s not just about having fun. It’s also about spreading awareness that the Town and Gown 10k is organised and funded entirely by Muscular Dystrophy UK.
“Since 1959, we’ve been supporting families living with muscle-wasting conditions. We provide vital information, advice, resources and support for people with these conditions, their families and the professionals who work with them.
“Muscle-wasting conditions are very rare, affecting just over one in every 1,000 people. Many people haven’t heard of them. To have an entire town turned our signature colour for one morning goes a long way in spreading the word about these conditions and the work that we do fighting to beat them.”
While registration fees help cover the cost of the event, sponsorship funds the charity’s work. It has a fundraising target of £50 per person and encourages entrants to set up an online fundraising page when registering.
There are 70,000 people living with more than 60 rare and very rare progressive muscle-weakening and wasting conditions, which lead to increasing disability over time. The conditions may affect not only the muscles in the limbs, but also those of the heart and lungs, with many conditions significantly shortening life-expectancy.
Clinical trials for treatment to slow the progression of some of these conditions are now under way.
Visit musculardsytrophyuk.org to find out more about the charity. It has a freephone helpline open between 8.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0800 652 6352 or email info@musculardystrophyuk.org.
Sign up for the race at townandgown10k.com/cambridge/. Entry is open to those aged 16 and over and costs £22 for unaffiliated runners or £20 for affiliated runners. Entry on the day costs £25. The junior 3k fun run for under-16s costs £12 to enter.
