After a successful first event in 2013 when 262 competed in the all-male event, organisers of the Remembrance Day XL Man on the Run 5k are hoping for another big turn out for the race which helps to raise awareness to men’s health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer.

Last year Chris Estwanik led home the field, cruising to victory in 14min, 52sec, almost three minutes ahead of second place Daniel Oatley. Craig Rothwell completed the top three finishers.

Clifford Roberts, the race organiser, admits that the idea for the men’s only race came from the popular PartnerRe Women’s 5K, which began in 1998 and helps raise awareness of women’s issues.

“The idea came after watching my wife run in the PartnerRe race on several occassions,” said Roberts. “I thought men should do something of that sort to promote that we are aware of men’s health issues as well.

“In 2012 the thought was keeping me awake so I approached Tara Soares, the director of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, and strange enough she had just had a meeting to discuss the same. I gave her my idea amd with the help of Deborah Narraway we put it into action.

“With help from XL and Dove Men’s Care they accepted the challenge to sponsor the event and we had over 260 participants. Warwick Academy provided the base to hold the event, and this year XL have become the title sponsor.”

XL Group have come on board as the title sponsors of the race which starts outside Warwick Academy at 9am on Tuesday. The event is being promoted in conjunction with this month’s Movember campaign.

Funds raised will support the Bermuda Cancer and Health centre’s Men Only Health Screening Clinic and assist uninsired and underinsured men in the community with the cost of ultrasounds and prostate biopsies.

Charles Cooper, the president and Chief Underwriting Officer of XL’s Bermuda Reinsurance Operations, will participate in the race along with other XL colleagues. Cooper is also scheduled to hand out prizes at the end of the race.

The course takes the runners from Warwick Academy east to Valley Road and left onto Harbour Road, then west along Harbour Road to Morgan’s Road and back to the school.

The shortened 2.2k course for children aged between 7 and 10 have see them turning off Middle Road to Manse Road and then went on Harbour Road and back to Warwick Academy.

There will also be a 5k race for 11 to 14-year-olds as well as competitive and non-competitive walks.

Registration has been extended to today from 9.30am to 12.30pm at numbers pick up at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. Participants can also register on line on www.racedayworld,com until Monday.