Real Radio presenter, Ewen Cameron launched the tenth ‘diet Coke’ East Kilbride Half Marathon & 10k today (11 March 2009) on behalf of the Children's Hospice Association Scotland, (CHAS). CHAS is the nominated charity for this year’s race, which takes place on 21st June 2009 and is also Real Radio’s chosen charity.

Meeting at the venue for this year’s race, the John Wright Sports Centre in East Kilbride, the Real Football phone in presenter was joined by Debbie Traynor, Regional Fundraiser and Kerry Jackson, Relationship Manager, from CHAS, South Lanarkshire Provost Russell Clearie MBE, Gordon Colvin from East Kilbride Athletics Club and Margo Gibson, from Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd.

CHAS was nominated by Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd employees as this year’s chosen charity and will receive £1 from every entry. CHAS is a Scottish charity established to provide hospice services in Scotland for children with life-limiting conditions.  The charity offers professional care, practical help and emotional support to the whole family, usually from the day they are referred until the death of their child and beyond

Over the last ten years, the diet Coke East Kilbride Half Marathon and 10K has attracted over 10,000 participants. The event is renowned for producing personal bests. Last year an estimated £30,000 was raised for many different charities.

Ewen Cameron said, “CHAS make a real difference to people in unimaginable circumstances. I can’t think of a charity that deserves more support. The team at Real Radio have met many wonderful people while raising money for them over the last year.”

Debbie Traynor, Regional Fundraiser for CHAS said, “We are sure that the half marathon and 10K will be a huge success and CHAS is delighted to have been selected as the charity partner. It is poignant to remember, as this event enters its 10th year that CHAS has been providing practical care, emotional support and advice for over ten years to children across Scotland with life limiting conditions.

Alan Halliday, Regional Director for Coca Cola Enterprises in Scotland, said, “The tenth anniversary is a special year for the ‘diet Coke East Kilbride Half Marathon and 10K. Our thanks go to the all the runners that have supported the race since the beginning and the new faces we hope to see this year.”

Provost Russell Clearie MBE said, “People from all over Lanarkshire have embraced the ‘diet Coke’ East Kilbride Half Marathon and 10K. It is always a wonderful day with great support from spectators cheering on the runners raising money for many worthy causes. I am especially pleased that CHAS has been chosen as this year's charity as the help they provide families in such unbelievably trying times cannot be praised enough.”

With just under 14 weeks until the big race, there is plenty of time to get in training. With races to suit all levels of ability and entries open to men and women, everyone has the opportunity to take part.

On race day, the John Wright Sports Centre will host fun family activities for spectators and the sports village will display new running products and equipment. Runners can also receive a massage before or after the race.

The 10k is open to anyone aged 15 years or over on the day of the race. Runners need to be 17 years of age to take part in the Half Marathon. Entry for both races is available via www.ekhalfmarathon.co.uk, or by calling the race hotline on 01698 476118.

The deadline for entry is the 15th June 2007, but entries made before the 30th May are at a discounted rate of £19 for the Half Marathon and £15 for the 10k. After this date prices are subject to an additional £5 charge. Athletic Scotland members receive a £2 discount.

The ‘diet Coke’ East Kilbride Half Marathon & 10k Fun Run is a partnership between Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd, South Lanarkshire Leisure, South Lanarkshire Council, East Kilbride Athletic Club and local athletes.