Olympic star teams up with Prostate Cancer UK for Go Dad Run

Olympic hero Colin Jackson has once again teamed up with Prostate Cancer UK to deliver a series of fundraising runs for men and boys next June.

In 2016 and 2017, Prostate Cancer UK will continue to be the Official Charity Partner of the Sanlam Go Dad Run, a series of fun 5km and 10km jaunts designed to bring male members of the family together, alongside their friends, teammates and work colleagues.

Launched in 2013, Go Dad Run is the brainchild of the former triple world champion and Olympic 110m hurdles silver medallist who created it after two of his uncles suffered with prostate cancer.

The fourth year of events will see men and boys compete in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Sunderland, the Isle of Man and Worcester – and registration is already open for many of the runs at godadrun.co.uk.

Exciting new changes for 2016 include the introduction of 10km runs, a full chip timing service for all registered runners and a brand new team competition.

When they arrive at the events the registered runners will all collect their free PUMA T-shirt and iconic blue Y-fronts to wear over their shorts, and after they cross the finish line they will be handed a medal and a Big Yellow Sports Bag.

Prostate Cancer UK are proud to be the Official Charity Partner of the event in both 2016 and 2017, with legendary hurdling ace Jackson aiming to build on the £50,000 raised to date and help the fight back against a disease that kills one man every hour in the UK.

He said: "I'm excited to continue our relationship with Prostate Cancer UK because it is a charity that is very close to my heart.

“A few years ago two of my uncles developed prostate cancer and although one responded to treatment and is now fit and well again the other was less fortunate and, sadly, passed away. That prompted me to find out more information about the illness and I was shocked to discover that whilst 1 in 8 men in the UK will develop prostate cancer, that actually rises to 1 in 4 men from an African Caribbean background.

“By bringing together dads and sons, brothers and cousins, neighbours, workmates and friends who are willing to get involved in a run and play their part in the fight against prostate cancer we hope that we can have a positive effect on their lives and health.

“Signing a new two-year partnership agreement also means that we can be very creative with our joint long term plans as we move forward with the Sanlam Go Dad Run and raise awareness of and funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

“We hope that thousands of men and boys will register for our 5K and 10K runs next June."

With prostate cancer affecting 330,000 men across the UK each year, the Sanlam Go Dad Runs will pull together men and boys of all ages in a bid to emulate the success of the female-themed Race for Life.

Held throughout June and culminating with runs in London and Cardiff on one of the most significant dates on the calendar, Father’s Day, June 19th, it will also be a family day out across the six venues with vocal crowds encouraged to cheer on the runners.

The 5km runs will set off at 10.30am across the six venues, priced £16.50 for men 18 years and over, while boys aged 10-17 pay £11.50 when entering at the same time as an adult. Boys up to the age of nine do not need to register or pay and can collect their number on the day if accompanied by an adult.

The 10km events begin at 10.45am and are priced £21.50 for men and boys aged 16 and over. Men can register now at godadrun.co.uk.

James Beeby, Director of Fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Colin’s been a big supporter of ours for many years, and has seen first hand the dangers of this disease, so we are delighted to once again throw our support behind this exciting event.

“Go Dad Run is not about winning, it’s not just about setting personal bests, it’s about families uniting and having fun. This army of men of all ages in London, Cardiff, Bristol, Worcester, Sunderland and the Isle of Man are the perfect example of what we call Men United; guys getting together and doing something great to bear prostate cancer.

“Father’s Day as a focus also offers a stark reminder of the importance of family. Prostate cancer affects fathers, grandfathers, uncles and sons – but also mums, grandmothers, sisters and daughters. One man every hour dies from prostate cancer, but getting behind an event like this will help us strike back.”

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