THE race is on for a team of Southampton University students and staff pulling on their trainers to raise funds for world class cancer facilities.

More than 70 runners – including PhD students, professors, researches, engineers and librarians – will take to their marks for the Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton Half Marathon.

The flagship race is the biggest of its kind in a generation in the city with 6,000 runners setting off on the 13.1-mile route and its shorter 10km course on Sunday, April 26.

It sold out in record time last month after an overwhelming response from the running community.

The Daily Echo is official media partner for the race.

The university’s team are raising money for a new cancer research centre which will boost the city’s top reputation in cancer immunology research.

The facilities will be enable the university to expand clinical trials, explore new areas of research and develop revolutionary treatments.

Katy Stubbs, who is in the fourth year of a PhD in neuroscience, is looking forward to the challenge.

The 27-year-old said: “As a medical researcher I understand the pressure on research funding and the importance of centres such as this in improving patient care and access to therapy.”

“When I saw Southampton was holding a half marathon I knew I had to sign up as it was running around this city – in particular the Common – that made me fall in love with running.”

Robert Agar, who works in the university’s clinical psychology department, is also running.

The 33-year-old said: “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer so the more we can do to understand the disease and ultimately find a cure, the more lives will be saved.”

The race starts at Hoglands Park and winds its way across the city passing the Bargate, St Mary’s Stadium, the Common and both Universities, before finishing in front of crowds in Guildhall Square.

It is set to raise more than £100,000 for local causes through runner donations and places have been given to the mayor’s charities.

The event will also generate funds to put towards the upkeep of the Southampton Running Track and Sports Centre.

ABP Southampton Port director Nick Ridehalgh said: “It’s exciting to think that with every step these staff and students take on race day they will be bringing the reality of a new cancer research centre for Southampton one step closer.”