Singer Darius Campbell called on his fellow Scotsmen to put their best foot forward in 2011 by taking part in the Men’s Health Forum Scotland 10k for Men event.

The unique men-only 10k takes place on Father’s Day each year (19 June 2011) and is the focus of National Men’s Health Week in Scotland which aims to raise awareness of men's health issues and encourage participation in healthy physical activity all year round. jogscotland supports this event and urges male jogscotties to take on the challenge!

Darius Campbell said “This is a fantastic event for guys, whatever your age or what shape you are in. Making the commitment to take part in the Men’s 10k is a positive start to the new year. Getting fitter, having a laugh and maybe even raising funds for worthwhile charities, it‘s all good.

Darius added “There are plenty of female only 5k and 10k events out there so this really is one for the boys. For those celebrating Father’s Day, what better way to mark the occasion than with a big hug and proud smile of your loved ones at the finish line?”

Tim Street, Chair of Men’s Health Forum Scotland added "This is a 10k for every man, from first timers to experienced runners. Everyone takes part at their own pace and for their own personal reason. That might be to see how fast they can do it, or as the target for increasing their fitness levels through the year, to raise money for charity or just as a fun thing to do with their male relatives or mates. It doesn't matter what brings them to the event, once over that start line they become part of the movement along one route that will hopefully leave a lasting impact on men's health in Scotland long after the last person has crossed the finish line."

To register for the 2011 Men’s Health Forum Scotland 10k for Men visit www.mens10k.com

He made his name on reality TV but now Darius Campbell is facing a new reality: training hard for this year’s Men’s 10k in Glasgow.

The singer and former Pop Idol star is returning to his home city for the Men’s Health Forum Scotland 10k this summer and says he will be doing it for his father, who is recovering from cancer.

Registrations for the June 19th race open on January 11 and around 5,000 men are expected to take part. Last year, the runners raised £400,000 for charity and organisers hope they will beat that amount this year.

Campbell, who’s just finishing in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow, has chosen to run for Cancer Research UK, a decision inspired by his dad Booth’s recent struggle with the disease. Booth will also be taking part, as will Darius’s brother Aria.

Campbell, 30, who will start training with Aria next month, said he had wanted to run a 10k for some time. “I’ve never done a 10k before,” he said. “This will be my first but my brother and I have been keen to do it for a while. We were both talking about new resolutions at Christmas and we both wanted to do more in terms of health and fitness and my dad, who’s recovering from cancer, has also been trying to keep himself fit too so he’ll be walking and light-jogging it. It will be very much in the spirit of doing it for my dad but doing it with him too.”

The singer said the Men’s Health Forum Scotland Men’s 10k would be the first time he had run in any serious competition since school. “I honestly haven’t jogged or run in any kind of competition since cross-country at school so this will be my first and it’s a great first one to do. My brother is the personal trainer of the family so he’s going to be a big help training my dad and I. It was me who drove the idea of doing the race but he will drive the training.”

Another runner who will be taking part on June 19th is 30-year-old Brian McDermott, who will be raising money for Men’s Health Forum Scotland, the charity that has organised the race and aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues.

McDermott, who did the 10k for the first time last year, said there were huge benefits to be had for mental and physical health. “Running focuses you,” he said. “I’m a school teacher and there are a whole lot of demands on my time so it’s good to go out and focus your mind, have a wee think, and have a bit of time on your own. My first 10k, in terms of self-confidence, really brought me forward. Also, in terms of fitness, it’s just fantastic.”

The race organiser Sarah McMillan also emphasised that the event was a level playing field for men of all abilities. “This is a 10k for every man, from seasoned runners to guys who walk the route through Bellahouston and Pollok parks. Men en masse stepping outside their personal comfort zone and making a move towards a healthier future whilst raising thousands of pounds for worthwhile causes.”

To register for the race, visit www.mens10k.com