Runners ready to get back in the pink
PEOPLE are being encouraged to take part in a charity race to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
The ‘Race for Life’ event aims to return, with social distancing measures, later this year to keep participants safe.
The charity has experienced a loss of research funding due to COVID-19, and they are predicting a £300 million drop in income over the next three years, which could put future medical breakthroughs at risk.
The charity is calling on men, women, and children to fight back against the devastating disease by entering the event.
Every year, around 27,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the
East Midlands, and one in two people in the UK, born after 1960, will get cancer in their lifetime.
Amy Hall, Cancer Research UK’s Event Manager for Leicestershire, said: “All 400 mass-participation Race for Life events across the UK were cancelled last year to protect the country’s health during the pandemic.
“So this year, more than ever, we need people to come together and help beat the disease. The truth is, COVID-19 has slowed us down, but we will never stop, and we are absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow.” The Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events will take place at Prestwold Hall on Sunday,
May 16.
Race for Life Loughborough, Leicestershire, takes place in the Town Centre on Sunday, June 6. Leicester, Leicestershire, Race for Life is at Victoria Park on Sunday, July 11. All of the events are open to people of all ages and abilities.
Amy said: “Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters.
“Our Race for Life events are open to all and we’re sending a heartfelt message to everyone to come together in 2021.
“The health and safety of participants, staff, and volunteers is our top priority.”
Participants will set off on the course alone or in small sociallydistanced groups. Hand sanitiser will be provided, and participants are encouraged to use it before and after the event.
The non-competitive event honours the doctors, nurses, and scientists who are working to help people survive.
Participants should refrain from hugging others at the finish line, but the charity has promised that their events will remain fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting.
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events, which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
This year is the 20 th anniversary of Tesco’s partnership with Race for Life, and any money raised will fund research to help beat 200 types of cancer. These include bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers, and leukaemia.
Amy said: “The Race for Life is a movement which unites participants in Leicestershire with people across the East Midlands and the whole of the UK.
“People get together and remember loved ones lost, or celebrate the lives of those who have survived. At the same time, they are helping to make a difference to people with the disease right now.”