Cancer Research's Race for Life events to return to Black Country
People across the Black Country are being encouraged to look beyond lockdown and join Cancer Research UK's Race for Life events this year.
The charity's events are aiming to return to the region later in the year – with socially distanced measures to help keep participants safe.
Covid-19 has caused a loss of research funding for the charity – with bosses predicting a £300 million drop in income over the next three years.
Race for Life events are planned to take place at Walsall Arboretum on Sunday, May 16; Weston Park Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids on Saturday, May 22; Sandwell Valley Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids on Saturday, June 12; Himley Hall in Dudley on Sunday, July 4; and Wolverhampton's West Park on Sunday, July 18.
Participants will set off on the course either alone, or in small socially-distanced groups. Hand sanitiser will also be provided at all events, with participants encouraged to use it before and after the event.
Kirsten Shore, Cancer Research UK's event manager for the Black Country, said: "All 400 mass-participation Race for Life events across the UK were cancelled last year to protect the country’s health during the Covid-19 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. Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters.
Heartfelt message
"Our Race for Life events are open to all and we are sending a heartfelt message to everyone to come together in 2021. As always at our events, the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers is our top priority. It may be that events look a little different this year but we are working proactively with our venues and suppliers to deliver a socially distanced but great experience.”
She added: "Although ‘race’ features in the name, our events are not competitive. Instead, ‘the Race for Life’ is about our doctors, nurses and scientists working as hard and fast as possible to help more people survive.
“We will ask participants to respect social distancing before, during and after the event. It means that this year people should refrain from hugging others at the finish line. But we promise our events will remain fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting.
“We hope that none of our Race for Life events are cancelled in 2021 and will do everything we can to keep people safe. If we do have to cancel any of our events we will let participants know as soon as possible and they will be entitled to a refund.”
Anyone who signs up for a Race for Life event can claim 30 per cent off the entry fee by using the code JAN2021. To enter, visit raceforlife.org.
