A chance to run with your footie heroes
The Nike match ball infront of rainbow flags during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2018. (Catherine Ivill/Getty)
Men are being encouraged to get fit with their footballing heroes in order to raise money and awareness for male cancer research.
Keep Your Eye On The Ball 5k is a running event with a football twist, which will take place on June 3 in Victoria Park, East London.
A variety of professional footballers are expected to be participating in the exclusively male run, organised by the FA, the Professional Footballers Association and the Everyman Male Cancer Campaign.
The run will be structured in a similar way to the FA Cup, as lower division teams will be pitted against top Premiership clubs in the battle to see who can run 5km the fastest.
Participants can run individually or on behalf of their chosen football club.
“There are many charity runs that take place, but the Keep Your Eye on the Ball 5k is unique,” said Neil Harris, Millwall striker and testicular cancer survivor.
“Not only is it one of the few male only runs, but the football theme gives it that competitive edge and it is all in aid of a cause which affects us men.”
At the end of the race, the winning team will be the one with the fastest average running time.
Prizes will also be awarded for the fastest individuals and top fundraisers.
“We’re delighted to be involved with this event because not only is it raising money for one of the FA’s official charity partners, but it is also encouraging men to get fit in the process,” commented Sir Trevor Brooking from the FA.
All participants will be asked to pay a small registration fee and encouraged to raise £100 through sponsorship.
All money raised will go to the Everyman Campaign, which funds research into testicular and prostate cancer.
