PEOPLE in Comet country are invited to limber up for a unique 5k running event which is set to hit London, in aid of Sue Ryder Care. Runners signing up to Beat The Baton will be able to leave the MP3 Player at home – in an exciting twist, live music wil

PEOPLE in Comet country are invited to limber up for a unique 5k running event which is set to hit London, in aid of Sue Ryder Care.

Runners signing up to 'Beat The Baton' will be able to leave the MP3 Player at home - in an exciting twist, live music will be provided by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Conductor Anthony Inglis will lead the world-renowned ensemble in a lively medley of popular classical hits - including excerpts from Rossini's William Tell Overture and Mozart's Marriage of Figaro - as runners attempt to cross the finishing line before the final strains of music.

The event, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, will take place in Battersea Park, on Monday, May 28.

Runners or walkers of all abilities and ages are urged to take up the challenge and help raise funds with every step for the leading healthcare charity's neurological, hospice and community-based services across the UK, including those at Stagenhoe Park. People can run as individuals or as teams of four, in two separate races.

Victoria Glover, events and sponsorship manager at Sue Ryder Care, said: "Beat The Baton offers something new and exciting to the running calendar in the capital. As well as offering a fresh challenge to seasoned runners, it is also suitable for people of all athletic abilities.

"I am delighted we have the support of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in presenting Beat The Baton, which we hope will become our signature running event. All funds raised from the event will support our care services for people living with conditions including multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease and cancer.

"I hope as many people as possible from Comet country will sign up."

Music lovers can also enjoy the performance by the RPO and soak up the ambience in a special picnic area.

Ian Maclay, managing director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, said: "We are delighted to be working with Sue Ryder Care. Not only will this fun event help to raise money, but we are also offering live classical music in an arena outside of the traditional concert hall."

Runners will benefit from a comprehensive pack, complete with specially-designed t-shirts for participants to sport, as well as a professional training plan and fundraising tips.

Raising funds has also been made easy through a partnership with www.justgiving.com, which provides a secure online fundraising facility. By visiting the site, people can create a personal e-fundraising homepage and email the link to friends, family and colleagues enabling them to make secure donations directly to Sue Ryder Care.

Sue Ryder Care offers a personal service to its runners, from signing up for the challenge to the finishing line, including providing a cheering squad and physiotherapists at running events.

Anyone wishing to take part in the event or to gain further information should call a special hotline on 0845 050 1953. People can also sign up online at www.suerydercare.org