Kamara to Run Charity Race for Prostate Cancer Research

Former professional footballer Chris Kamara will run the 13.1-mile Great North Run to raise money for prostate cancer research, according to PA Media. The Middlesbrough-born campaigner, who played a 20-year career for clubs including Leeds United and Bradford City, will tackle the course alongside his son Jack and television presenter Ben Shephard.

Prostate Cancer Awareness and Demographics

Kamara has focused his post-retirement campaigning on highlighting how prostate cancer disproportionately affects black men. According to the NHS, black men face twice the risk of a diagnosis, with about one in four expected to develop the disease over their lifetimes. Prostate cancer currently stands as the most common cancer in the UK, generating approximately 60,000 new cases and more than 12,000 deaths annually, according to NHS figures.

Training and Motivation for the Challenge

The upcoming event marks 45 years of the Great North Run, which stretches from Newcastle to South Shields and attracts nearly 63,000 runners. Kamara stated that meeting individuals affected by the disease was both “heartbreaking and inspirational” and served as an education. Referring to his reunion with Shephard, Kamara said he was “getting the band together” for the challenge.

“I think the couch we used to sit on was far more comfortable than a 13.1-mile Sunday morning run in the North East, but I know we will keep each other going – and if that fails, my son will drag us both along,” Kamara said, according to PA Media.

Managing Health Challenges On the Course

The 65-year-old was diagnosed with apraxia of speech in 2022, a neurological motor speech disorder impacting his speech, and noted that he also experiences balance issues. Despite these hurdles, Kamara insisted, “Whatever happens I’ll get round.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance of the Great North Run?

The course covers 13.1 miles (21km) from Newcastle to South Shields.

Who is running alongside Chris Kamara?

Kamara is running with his son Jack and Good Morning Britain host Ben Shephard.

What statistics does the NHS provide regarding black men and prostate cancer?

According to the NHS, black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, with about one in four expected to develop it in their lifetime.