Cancer Research UK’s much-loved Race for Life events, which raise millions of pounds for life-saving research, are returning across London this summer – and the charity is urging locals to sign up for the non-competitive races.
Every year around 36,900 people are diagnosed with cancer in London. Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer – moving closer to a world where everyone can live longer, better lives free from the fear of the disease.
Cancer Research UK says anyone who joins Race for Life in January can claim 50 per cent off the entry fee as part of a special ‘early bird’ sale by using the code RACE25NY.
Cancer Research UK says anyone who joins Race for Life in January can claim 50 per cent off the entry fee
(Image: Cancer Research UK)
People can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events or the Pretty Muddy/Pretty Muddy Kids events – a mud-splattered obstacle course. Race for Life events will take place at:
- May 10 – Regent’s Park. 3k, 5k, 10k events.
- May 18 – Finsbury Park. 3k, 5k, 10k.
- May 24 – Clapham Common, Windmill Drive. 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Pretty Muddy Kids.
- June 4 – Battersea Park, 5k.
- June 14 – Hampstead Heath, off East Heath Road. 3k, 5k, 10k.
- June 22 – Richmond, Old Deer Park. 3k, 5k.
- June 22 – Epsom, Nonsuch Park. 3k, 5k, 10k.
- June 29 – Blackheath Common, Off Prince Charles Road. 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Pretty Muddy Kids.
- June 29 – Croydon, Lloyd Park. 3k, 5k, 10k.
- July 5 – Kingston and Kempton Park, 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids.
- July 12 – Victoria Park. 3k, 5k, 10k.
- July 26 – Beckenham Place Park. 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Pretty Muddy Kids.
Broadcaster and DJ Adele Roberts, who was successfully treated for bowel cancer in 2021 and now lives with a stoma, is among those urging people to kick start the New Year by signing up for Race for Life. She said: “I Race for Life because of my little sister Lois.
“Within the space of two years, my Auntie Ann had lost our Uncle Phil to cancer and then had to go through it herself- without her husband. Lois wanted to do Race for Life in tribute to Auntie Ann and Uncle Phil and to give back to the organisations that’d helped them. And she’s inspired me to do the same.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, raises millions of pounds every year across the UK to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
Lynn Daly Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for London said: “No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can help beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK. Every penny raised at Race for Life truly makes a difference and powers progress.
“We’d love for people to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone and we mean everyone. Our events are strictly non-competitive which means everyone can have a go- and love every minute. There’s no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in.
“January is the perfect time to commit to getting a little more active. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress. Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK.
The charity also funded many large clinical trials looking at the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen and the research shaped the way the drug is used to treat breast cancer today. Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone – a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.
To enter one of the races this summer, visit raceforlife.org.
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