Cancer Research UK has confirmed plans for its flagship fundraising event to return
Cancer Research UK has said its Race for Life fundraising events will return in the autumn after a year’s hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The charity said its flagship fundraiser would return with more than 400 events between August and October, including 3km, 5km and 10km routes and the Pretty Muddy obstacle courses for adults and children.
Last year, the government’s pandemic restrictions meant in-person events were replaced with virtual Race for Life at Home events that encouraged people to do a 5km route around their local park or neighbourhood.
These events, held across 2020 and April 2021, raised more than £4m for the charity. Normally, events are held across the country, everywhere from Glasgow to Irvine, Falkirk to Fife.
An incredible £20 million has been raised in Glasgow to fund gentler and more effective treatments for cancer since Scotland’s first Race for Life event was held in the city in spring 1995. Money raised at the event which attracts more than 7,000 participants every year helps scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.
Philip Almond, executive director of marketing, fundraising and engagement at Cancer Research UK, said: “We can’t wait to see people back at our Race for Life events across the nation this autumn. Covid-19 hit us hard last year and it was a devastating decision to cancel our events. But we’re back and ready to Race for Life again. The safety of our participants is our top priority, and we’ve developed ways to ensure our events can operate safely, following government guidelines. Our events might look a little different this year, but will still be a great experience for everyone taking part.
“Alongside showing the fun and inspirational atmosphere of a Race for Life event, the new campaign features people affected by cancer to help demonstrate why raising money for vital research is so important. The campaign highlights that one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, which is a devastating statistic, but that all of us can help beat it.
“We’re determined to keep making progress for people affected by cancer but every step we take relies on support from the public and we need this now more than ever. This past year proves, more than any other, the value of investing in science and medical research, and what can be achieved with collective focus and collaboration. Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating cancer. By doing Race for Life and raising money, people will be supporting our vital work to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and, ultimately, save more lives. We hope the new campaign demonstrates how everyone can be part of the solution and inspires people to sign up to their local Race for Life event.”
You can find out more now on the website.
