8 May 2009

Monikie 10K race for Diabetes Research Campaign - Sunday, May 10th

Photo opportunities: Race start - 11 am, South entrance Monikie Country Park (500m from main entrance). Angus Provost Ruth Leslie Melville will set the runners on the their way

Presentations - 12.15 - 12.30 approx, Finish line at the Ranger station.

Around 300 runners will do their bit for the University of Dundee's Diabetes Research Campaign when they take part in the second annual Monikie 10K Race for Research this Sunday.

The DRC has already raised more than £2million but there is still work to do to reach the ultimate target of more than £3million, which will enable the University to create a Type 1 diabetes research team of the same standards as the internationally recognised expertise Dundee has in Type 2 diabetes.

The total will be boosted by the thousands of pounds raised by participants in the Monikie event, for which all places have been snapped up.

Nicholas Kydd, event race organiser for Eventfull Management Limited, is himself diabetic, after being diagnosed just over 5 years ago. He expressed his delight at the level of support shown for the event, saying, 'Every place available for this year’s race was taken, and 50 more people are taking part this year than last, which shows that this is a cause that people are really taking to heart.'

'We are delighted to be supporting the University's efforts to tackle diabetes through world-class research. This is a personal issue for me and to have the chance to help boost the research effort is great.'

Diabetes is now the fastest growing epidemic in the developed world. It is estimated that more than 300 million people worldwide will suffer from the disease by 2020 and the disease has been recognised by the United Nations as the greatest threat to world health.

It is estimated that the NHS is spending £1m an hour, 10% of its yearly budget, treating diabetes and its complications.

In Tayside there has been a 90% increase in the incidence of diabetes in the last 10 years and the need to develop clinical research facilities across Tayside is urgent. The Diabetes Research Campaign aims to provide the facilities and technology to enable scientists and doctors to work together to develop better and more effective treatments and to devise preventative strategies for the disease.

Sponsors have generously agreed to provide assistance to race organisers, and several have donated prizes to be awarded to participants who reach fundraising targets. Sponsors include Radio Tay, Angus Council, Institute of Sports and Exercise (University of Dundee), Apex Hotels, Dronley Produce, The Playwright, The Sweat Shop, The Apple Tree and Dundee University Students Association.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk