THE men and boys in the audience at The Gazette Sports Awards were urged to start gearing up for a major fundraising event that can help the fight against cancer.

Gazette Newspapers editor Mark Jones called on the lads of all ages to get involved in this year's Basingstoke Alberto Culver Run4Fun.

Would-be participants can now register to take part in the five-kilometre fun run, which will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 4, at Down Grange.

The Gazette - which has been involved in the Basingstoke Run4Fun since it started in 2002 - is once again the official newspaper media supporter of the event.

Mr Jones told The Gazette Sports Awards audience: "Basingstoke has led the way by holding Run4Fun events and each year has seen a higher level of participation than the previous one.

"This year, it is hoped that the 1,000-entry barrier will be broken and that even more money will be raised for vital research into cancers that affect the male population.

"Please get involved in this event. It is for a good cause, you can really make a difference and you can have some fun at the same time."

Gazette Newspapers will be among the many organisations who will be fielding a team of runners at this year's event.

Last year, nearly 1,000 men and boys helped raise more than £42,000 for Cancer Research UK - smashing the participation and cash total records.

Event organiser Kate MacDougall said: "The event's huge - it's one of the most successful events for Cancer Research UK in Hampshire.

"Last year was good, but this year I'd say that the target figure is £50,000 and we're hoping to have 1,500 dads, lads and granddads taking part."

The Run4Fun was started three years ago to raise money for research and awareness of cancers which affect men. It followed the success of Basingstoke's women-only Race for Life event which attracts thousands of participants every year.

Since the first Run4Fun, the event has gone from strength to strength and attracts entrants of all ages and abilities. However, there are still plenty of men who try to ignore cancer.

"It's vital that we ensure that men know how to check themselves for prostate and testicular cancer because only one in 10 men are doing it at the moment," said Miss MacDougall.

"It's good to see fathers bringing their sons along to Run4Fun, making them aware of the issues surrounding cancer. You sometimes see three generations doing the run with grandfathers, fathers and sons all running together."

One lucky fun-runner could even scoop a top prize if they get their sponsorship money in quickly enough.

Miss MacDougall said: "Provided people hand in their sponsorship money by Thursday, June 30, they will be entered into a free prize draw to win a pampering day for two at Tylney Hall."

The entry fee is £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for under-18s. Registering on the day costs £10 for adults and £5 for children.

To register for the run, simply fill out the form on this page and send it back to Cancer Research via the fax number or postal address at the bottom. The entry form can also be downloaded from this section of The Gazette's website.

Anyone wanting further details can e-mail run4fun@cancer.org.uk or call 01403 216460.