First exclusively female marathon planned for October
Scots are being offered the unique opportunity to take part in the first female-only marathon in the UK.
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Marathon will take place at Lee Valley Park, London on Sunday, October 4.
Participants can choose to run a full or half marathon course.
The charity is staging the race to raise funds and highlight the fact that every hour, around three people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland - while the number of people being diagnosed has now reached around 30,200 cases each year.
As well as raising funds for life-saving research, organisers say the event is the perfect opportunity for women of all ages, shapes and sizes to tackle the marathon challenge - even if they’ve never done one before.
Lea Blake, Cancer Research UK’s event manager for Race for Life Marathon, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching the first ever Race for Life Marathon.
Scots urged to sign up for first women only marathon
“Twenty years ago Race for Life changed the face of women’s running in the UK, and we’re delighted to be trail-blazing once again with the UK’s first female-only marathon.
"We’re calling on Scots to challenge themselves and achieve something amazing as they unite against cancer, the common enemy. Every pound raised at the Race for Life Marathon will help to fund our life-saving research to help beat 200 types of cancer.”
Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s.
But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured, says the charity.
Blake added: “Whether you’re a marathon pro or running novice, this brand-new event offers an accessible and supportive environment for women of all abilities. It’s not about how fast you run. It’s about creating an unstoppable force of women who are united in the bid to beat cancer. The Race for Life Marathon is set to be an inspiring and exhilarating event and we urge ladies to sign up now. With their trainers at the ready, we know Scots women are up for the challenge.”
The event is a new addition to the Race for Life family, which also includes the 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events, which raise millions of pounds every year.
