AN AVALANCHE of runners are on their marks for a new fundraising race in Southampton.

More than 1,000 people are expected to pound the streets this winter during a special run that aims to give cancer the cold shoulder.

The city has been picked as one of just four locations for Cancer Research UK’s 10k Snowflake Run which is being launched for the first time this winter.

Southampton Common is set to be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with sparkling snowfalls and an aurora of friendly polar bears ahead of the event on February 7.

Organisers hope the event will encourage people to continue running through the coldest months while raising more than £120,000 in vital funds so that they can continue their lifesaving research.

It comes after the charity spent nearly £4m in Southampton last year on leading scientific and clinical research.

Liz Frisby, Cancer Research UK event manager, said: “We’re so excited to be hosting the Snowflake Run in Southampton and hope to see an avalanche of support for this unique new event.’’