RACING fans can enjoy something a little different at Chelmsford Racecourse when a group of runners take to the track to raise money for the YMCA.

The one mile fun run, on April 28, has been organised to support the YMCA, which is Chelmsford Mayor Paul Hutchinson's charity of the year.

Mr Hutchinson, who sits on the charity's trustee board as the city council representative, said: ""YMCA Chelmsford has been close to my heart for many years as I have seen first hand the difference they can make to the lives of many children and young people.

"Helping youngsters gain confidence, supporting young carers, working with those who face exclusion from school, encouraging young people to develop skills to unleash their potential, is just a part of the work that YMCA Chelmsford undertakes.

"The success that the YMCA has with each and every young person is a success for our city, for they are our future."

Chelmsford's YMCA has been working with young people, children and families for nearly 100 years in the city and works with about 10,000 a year.

This now includes clubs for aspiring musicians, offering respite and support for young carers, running a nursery for children aged three months to five years old, providing family support work and implementing an alcohol awareness network.

The fun run will take place at 4pm before the horse racing starts and runners will receive a free admission ticket to the race fixture, plus a half-price ticket for one supporter.

One runner will also be chosen at random to win two tickets to an upcoming raceday, a VIP tour and a glass of bubbly too.

Registration is £10, with all proceeds going to the YMCA.

To register, call 01245 360300 or visit chelmsfordcityracecourse.com