Race for Life cancelled

Organisers of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Glasgow have announced the much-loved event is cancelled this year.

Monklands residents are among the thousands who normally take part in the fundraiser but the charity has taken the difficult decision to withdraw all 400 festivities across Britain to protect people’s health as restrictions on mass gatherings caused by the Covid- 19 pandemic continue.

This includes the Race for Life Pretty Muddy obstacle course which can no longer take place on September 6 at Pollok Country Park in Glasgow.

Participants who have already signed up will be contacted directly by the charity.

Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25 per cent in the next financial year as a direct result of the coronavirus.

Lisa Adams, the cha r i t y ’ s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital.

“We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.

“We know Race for Life is such a treasured part of the UK’s events calendar and it is with a heavy heart that, for the first time in 27 years, we have to announce that it won’t be taking place.

“The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is however essential.

“In the meantime, we’d love to invite as many people as possible to join us by taking part in Race for Life at Home in these challenging times.”

Undeterred, people across Scotland are already vowing to carry on and complete a Race for Life at Home challenge, in their garden or nearest green space.

Anyone interested can visit raceforlife. org and sign up free for ideas on how they can create their own special challenge.