CRUK plans for in-person Race for Life events to return from late August

22 Jun 2021 News

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has confirmed that more than 400 Race for Life events are planned to take place between late August and October this year.

This marks the return of the physical Race for Life event series, as all 400 across the UK were cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Race for Life normally raises millions each year to help fund CRUK’s work. Since it began in 1994 it has raised over £896m.

In 2019 more than 375,000 people took part in 416 events and raised £33m for the charity.

Philip Almond, executive director of marketing, fundraising and engagement at CRUK, said that Covid-19 hit the charity hard last year and “it was a devastating decision to cancel our events”.

As a result of the pandemic, CRUK expects to see a decline in fundraising income of £250m over three years.

Since the start of the pandemic, Cancer Research UK has had to reduce the amount it planned to spend on research by £121m.

The charity has said that without further support it will need to make further cuts over the next four to five years.

Almond said: “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.”

Covid-19 safety measures will be in place at all events, including splitting participants into waves to avoid congestion.

Cancer Research UK’s (CRUK) Race for Life events will be rolled out in partnership with Tesco.

The charity will also launch a new campaign developed with Anomaly, which encourages people to run, walk or jog at their local event this autumn.

Alongside the 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy obstacle courses for adults and children, 3k routes are available for 2021.

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