Organisers of a 10km charity run are calling for more people to take part in an attempt to raise £160,000 for Cancer Research UK.

They are hoping to recruit a total of 2,500 volunteers to take part in the run at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Sunday, September 26.

Last year, 1,400 took part in the Cancer Research UK Blenheim 10k event, raising £90,435.

More than 1,600 people have already signed up for this year’s event.

Among those taking part are staff and members of health club Esporta, in Woodstock Road, Oxford.

Manager Steve Allen said: “We hope that we can help to get the ball rolling by encouraging men and women in Oxfordshire to enter Cancer Research UK’s Run 10k.

“We want everyone to pull together as a team and help raise money for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research.”

Becky Ryczowski, run coordinator for the charity, said: “We hope hundreds of people will feel inspired by the Esporta members to enter Run 10k in Oxfordshire.

“It’s a great opportunity to have fun, get fit and raise money to beat cancer.

“Although the distance might sound like a challenge, lots of people can achieve it with a little bit of training.”

The event is one of 20 races around the country this autumn which it is hoped will net a total of £5m.

Miss Ryczowski added: “By taking part in Run 10k, and supporting Cancer Research UK’s crucial work, people in Oxfordshire could make a big difference to cancer patients here on their doorstep.

“So our message to local people is: Raise it, run it, beat it.”

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and the charity spent about £32m last year in Oxford on research.

Scientists are searching for natural variations in genes that increase the risk of bowel cancer.

Runners will get a second chance to enjoy Blenheim’s splendid surroundings when the Rotary Club of Woodstock holds its own 10k on Sunday, October 17.

The run will raise money for the urology department at Oxford’s Church-ill Hospital’s cancer centre.

The cash will go towards a £400,000 robot surgery machine, the first of its kind in the UK. More than 450 runners completed the course last year.

For information on the Cancer Research run, visit run10k.org and for the Rotary run go to the website at rotaryblenheim10.drzaza.com