A massive team of 213 women from the University of Glasgow participated in the City of Glasgow Women's 10k on Sunday. The team was made up entirely of staff, students and friends of the University, and was co-ordinated by Lisa Dunn of the Sports and Recreation Service.

Lisa said, "I have been organising the team for 3 years - the first year we had 77 women take part and they raised over £3,000 for the British Heart Foundation. Last year we had 83 women take part, who raised over £4,000 for Imperial Cancer Research. This year the team is 213-strong and we are aiming for over £6,000 for Macmillan Cancer reliefﾅalthough I'd like to think it is going to be so much more."

The University is committed to promoting health and wellbeing amongst staff and students, and one of its many aims is to try to get more women active. Training programmes are provided and structured support is given, for example in the "Walk in to work out" initiative.

To encourage motivation and participation, race teams like this are organised with the aim of raising funds for charity. This year's charity is Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Lisa adds, "Many women are returning to participate for the third time, indicating exercise adherence. This proves that our health promotion programmes are working - at least for some"

Julie Ommer, Director of the Sport and Recreation Service, completed the 10K with the team and commented, "It was a great day, with a marvellous turn out both for the University and for Macmillan Cancer Relief. Congratulations to Lisa for pulling it all together"

The team was sponsored this year for the first time by Startrac UK who are the manufacturers and suppliers of Cardiovascular Gym Equipment.

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First published: 18 May 2001