NEWS FROM CANCER RESEARCH UK

Workers from different professions launch Cancer Research UK’s Run 10k ‘Take 5 Challenge’

Cancer Research UK launched its Run 10k series yesterday with a group of men and women representing a range of different professions racing across London’s Millennium Bridge.

Wearing half running/half work outfits, including a policeman, builder, doctor, chef, fireman and barrister, the group were encouraging people to take part in the charity’s ‘Take 5 Challenge’ – five easy steps to help busy people improve their general heath and fitness and sign up to a Run 10k event this autumn.

Following research from the charity which showed that a quarter of Brits are spending more time at work compared to this time last year and that over half of those that are currently working (56 per cent) admit that work affects the level of exercise they do, Cancer Research UK has launched the ‘Take 5 Challenge’ to help redress work/life balance issues and provide great preparation for a Run 10k event. The ‘Take 5 Challenge’ easy-to-follow steps include tips on extra activity, stretching and hydration.

Birmingham City Football Club MD Karen Brady, who is backing the Take 5 Challenge comments, “"Encouraging a good work/life balance is crucial in keeping morale high and increasing motivation, commitment and engagement. Cancer Research UK’s Run 10k ‘Take 5 Challenge’, encourages people to incorporate health and fitness into their busy lives which is a great way for workers and their bosses to boost their sense of wellbeing. And by signing up to a Run 10k this year, people will be raising money for a fantastic cause at the same time. ”

With 43 events taking place across the UK this autumn, Cancer Research UK’s Run 10k series offers people the opportunity to feel good, do something positive and raise money to help fund the charity’s life saving work.. The charity hopes that 60 000 men and women will come together to raise just over £6million.

Cancer Research UK has worked closely with celebrity fitness expert Steve Halsall to create the step-by-step plans which can be viewed and downloaded at www.run10k.org/take5challenge. A plan for the less experienced jogger as well an in-depth plan for the more seasoned runner keen to beat their personal best can be downloaded from the site.

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For more press information or images please contact Frank PR on 020 7693 6999/0781 309 5242 or email cancerresearchuk@frankpr.it

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2030 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th - 22nd June 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About the Take 5 Challenge:

The Take 5 Challenge offers a Beginners Plan; available for the less-experienced runner, alongside an Advanced Plan for the more developed runner.
Each plan covers five easy steps to improve general health and well-being:
Commitment
Stretching
Mobility
Hydration
Attitude
To view or download the Take 5 Challenge Plans visit www.run10k.org/take5challenge

About Run 10K:

Run 10k for Cancer Research UK, supported by Tesco, is a series of 43events held in stunning and unique locations through the UK this autumn.
This year we hope 60,000 men and women will come together to raise just over £6m to help fund Cancer Research UK’s life saving work.
• For further information about the Run 10K series or details of event locations please visit www.run10k.org

About Cancer Research UK:

Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research.
The charity’s groundbreaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has saved millions of lives. This work is funded entirely by the public.
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates double in the last thirty years.
Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,500 scientists, doctors and nurses.
Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.
For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7121 6699 or visit

www.cancerresearchuk.org.