ORGANISERS of Bradford's City Runs event are hoping for a record-breaking turnout after a surge in the number of people signing-up.

Almost 650 have now registered and approaching 100 are running for the Telegraph & Argus Crocus Cancer Appeal.

Our £1 million fundraiser is the event's official charity partner, with 40 per cent of all race fees going to the appeal and a push to get 200 people running for the Crocus Cancer Appeal.

City centre streets will be closed to traffic so those taking part can enjoy a safe run taking in the city's sights on a children's one mile, 5k, 10k or half marathon run on Sunday, October 26.

The event has been organised by Bradford Council and the Bradford Athletics Network (BAN).

A BAN spokesman said: "A record sign-up for the Bradford City Runs this week. With four weeks to go to the event on Sunday, October 26, 92 people have just entered for the four events.

"And the numbers running for the Crocus Cancer Appeal have suddenly jumped in the last week to half the charity's target. Overall, the numbers registered are almost 650, and heading towards the magic thousand. This will be a record for the event and double the previous numbers for the new-format race, relaunched last year.

"The half-marathon has the highest number of runners, with 273 already. - but the biggest jump was in entrants for the 5k with 43 new registrations in the week."

T&A Editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: "I’m delighted that so many people are supporting the Crocus Cancer Appeal at the City Runs event this month.

“The University is doing some fantastic and ground-breaking work and it’s brilliant that people are getting behind our fundraiser to support that."

“City Runs is not just for serious runners and with the new children’s run, the whole family can get involved."

Councillor Andrew Thornton executive member for environment and sport said: "I’m delighted that over 500 people have already signed up for the Bradford City Runs.

"I will be taking part in the 10K run, joining those raising money for the Crocus Appeal and would encourage others to take part in this fun event."

People running for Crocus Cancer Appeal - a joint initiative between the T&A, The University of Bradford, Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust - will have exclusive use of the top floor of The Turls Green bar in Centenary Square where they can have a free sports massage and refreshments and a goody bag.

The Appeal is working to raise £1 million to buy a new a high-tech mass spectrometer for experts at the university's Institute of Cancer Therapeutics.

The state-of-the art machine will allow scientists to understand the vital role that certain proteins play in the spread of cancerous cells - leading to the development of cancer medicines.