Now in it's 30^th year, The Children's Cancer Run has become somewhat of a regional institution and we were delighted to start this week at the launch of this year's promotional campaign, where football legend, Alan Shearer started the countdown to the landmark 30^th run.

The launch at Complete Football in Gosforth Park, marked the official opening of postal and online applications for the Children's Cancer Run, which will take place at Gosforth Racecourse, Newcastle on Sunday 13^th May 2012.

Sponsored by fellow regional institution Gregg's, The Children's Cancer Run is a five-mile fundraising fun run for the North of England Children's Cancer Research fund (NECCR), which carries out vital research into medication and treatments for children's cancer.

Members of the local media were invited to speak with Mr Shearer, who was joined at the launch by fellow, ex-Newcastle footballer Paul Bracewell, local funny man Brendan Healy and a selection of children who have received care at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) children's cancer ward, who presented Alan with a medal and t-shirt from last years run. The team from the NECCR run committee and Chair of Child Health at the RVI, Josef Vormoor were also available for comment.

Silver Bullet have worked on behalf of the run for six years now, integrating marketing activities such as event management and PR in order to raise the profile of the run across the region and ultimately increase the number of participants on the day.

Run Chairman, Chris Peacock said, "The invaluable expertise and services of Silver Bullet Marketing help enormously towards the success of the run each year."

"Their support is so vital to our run numbers and I want to say how delighted I was with the level of professionalism and obvious hard work that went into this years launch."

Kerry Tudor, Account Executive at Silver Bullet Marketing added, "The launch was attended by key members of the local media from print and online platforms to radio and television so I'm extremely pleased to say that this year's campaign has had a hugely positive start with great exposure across the North East."

"The run is a popular annual event so our challenge lies in maintaining the level of interest from participants each year and aiming to reach the 12,000 runners mark after the number of people who could take part was raised last year."

"While over the 30 years since the inaugural run we've seen dramatic progress in the treatment for children's cancer it hasn't yet been eradicated. This means the run and the funds it raises for the NECCR are as important as ever and we're proud to do everything we can to encourage people from across the region to take part."

The Greggs Children's Cancer Run will be held at Newcastle Racecourse on Sunday 13^th May 2012. There is a five-mile cross country run and a one-mile event for under sevens. Entry is £12 or £6 for under sevens. For more information or to book a place online go to www.childrenscancerrun.co.uk or email childrenscancerrun@ncl.ac.uk.

Become a fan on Facebook 'Greggs Children's Cancer Run' and follow updates on Twitter: @NECCRrun.