Entries are now open for Poole’s 2014 Festival of Running, with proceeds earmarked for the Dorset Cancer Centre, at Poole Hospital, for the second year running.

The 2014 series of races will take place on Sunday June 1, at Poole Park.

Now in its 33rd year, the event comprises seven races catering for all age groups, including the chip-timed 10k race suitable for all levels of ability, the 5k ‘Run for Cancer’ sponsored by the Daily Echo and under 15’s minithon races supported by the Borough of Poole.

Last year raised an amazing £12,000, which is already benefiting cancer patients in a variety of ways including music equipment for all the treatment and planning areas, TVs for the waiting areas, camping mats to cover treatment couches for extra comfort and dignity during treatment, neck support vacuum bags for extra comfort and immobilisation for head and neck patients.

Everyone who takes part in a race will be encouraged to raise sponsorship with the money raised supporting the Dorset Cancer Centre. Sponsorship forms are now available from Poole Runners or Poole Hospital Charity, giving runners plenty of time before June to find sponsors. The organisers hope to raise as much if not more this year and are asking every runner to pledge to raise a minimum of £10.

Event Chairman Mike Towner of Poole Runners told us: “We would love to increase numbers from 1459 to 1800 over the 5k and 10k runs.

“We also had record numbers 150 children per race in our minithons last year which we would fantastic to see again.”

l For further information about the Poole Runners and the Festival of Running, and to download an entry form for one of the races, please visit their website poolerunners.com. For more information about Poole Hospital Charity, please visit poole.nhs.uk/fundraising, telephone 01202 448449 or email fundraising@poole.nhs.uk.