May date for much loved charity runs

 Race for Life runners will be in Sutton Park in May

PEOPLE are being invited to kick start their fitness and help beat cancer by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Sutton Coldfield.

The charity’s much-loved events are returning and anyone who joins before the end January can claim a special 50 per cent off the entry fee by using the code RFL22J50.

The Race for Life series kicks off for the first time in Sutton Park with 5k and 10k events taking place on Sunday, May 8. Further events will take place across the region until Saturday, July 16. Adults and children of all ages can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k Race events as well as several 5k Pretty Muddy obstacle courses.

Every year around 34,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands* region and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime. ** 

Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer – helping to save more lives.

Paula Young, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Sutton Coldfield, said: “Everyone can play their part to help beat cancer.

“January is the perfect time for people to commit to getting a little more active. By signing up to Race for Life, there’s the chance to raise money for life-saving research. Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life.

“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder and take part in the 10K distance. But what is for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities. Race for Life will be fun, emotional, colourful, uplifting and an unforgettable event this year.” 

Race for Life events across the UK this year will follow current government guidance to protect against COVID-19. Hand sanitiser will be provided at all events.

Paula added: “We hope that none of our Midlands Race for Life events are cancelled in 2022 and we 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 full refund.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.

Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns at Tesco, said: “This will be our 21^st year in partnership with Cancer Research UK and Race for Life and we hope this year can be the biggest yet.”

To enter, visit raceforlife.org

Race for Life events in the West Midlands region (date order)

Walsall Arboretum, 3k, 5k and 10k – Sunday May 15

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham 5k – Sunday, May 22

Town Park, Telford 5k – Sunday, May 29

Arrow Valley Park, Redditch 5k & 10k – Sunday, June 5

Trentham Estate, Stoke on Trent 5k – Tuesday, June 7

Malvern Park, Solihull 3k & 5k – Sunday, June 12

West Park, Wolverhampton, 5k – Sunday, June 12

Quarry Park & Garden, Shrewsbury 5k – Sunday June 19

Himley Hall, Dudley 3k & 5k – Sunday, July 3

Worcester Racecourse 3k, 5k & 10k – Sunday, July 10

Pretty Muddy events in the West Midlands region (date order)

Weston Park Pretty Muddy 5k – Saturday, May 21

Sandwell Valley Country Park Pretty Muddy 5k – Saturday, June 25

Worcester Racecourse Pretty Muddy 5k – Saturday, July 9

Cofton Park, Birmingham Pretty Muddy 5k – Saturday, July 16

Central Forest Park, Stoke on Trent Pretty Muddy 5k – Sunday, July 17