HUNDREDS of runners will be limbering up tomorrow morning to pound Bradford's streets for the biggest City Runs yet.

More than 1,000 people are taking part this year, making 2014 the most successful year yet for the annual event.

Among the 1,104 people tackling either the five kilometre, ten kilometre, half marathon or children's courses are 141 Telegraph & Argus Crocus Cancer Appeal fundraisers.

The appeal, which is a joint fundraiser between the T&A, The University of Bradford, Yorkshire Cancer Research and Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust, is aiming to raise £1 million to buy a new machine to help researchers at the University's Institute of Cancer Therapeutics.

The new high-tech mass spectrometer will speed up vital research into cancer and help the quicker development of possible treatments.

The Crocus Appeal is the official charity partner of this year's City Runs, which is organised by Bradford Council and Bradford Athletics Network, and 40 per cent of all entry fees will be going to the appeal.

Simon Forde, from the organising team, said: "This is a record for the event and over double last year's numbers. Hopefully the weather will be half decent, and it will go well and it will continue to grow next year, year on year."

Development Officer at the University of Bradford Victoria Collins said: "We’re delighted with the number of runners who have signed up to run for the Crocus Appeal on Sunday and would like to wish them all luck whichever distance they’re covering.

"Their support is vital in helping us to reach our target of £1 million to help the University of Bradford scientists discover new and more advanced treatments for those suffering with cancer.

"As a thank you, our Physio students will be based in Turls Green to offer a free sports massage to everyone who has run for the Appeal."

Among those running for the Crocus Appeal is a group of 12 teachers from St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College.

It will be the first event the school's sport development squad, led by Heather Stone, has taken part in together. It hopes to join in a host of sporting events in the community.

Assistant head teacher Stephen Burrows said: "The Crocus Appeal is the main reason for us getting involved in it.

"There are sponsorship forms stuck up in the staff room and we're looking to raise hundreds of pounds for the Crocus Appeal."

Visit the T&A's website for coverage tomorrow and race results and see Monday's paper for a round-up and pictures of the event.