Inspired by marathon runners? Sign up for Northampton's Race For Life

Northampton women inspired by the heroic effort of participants at the Virgin Money London Marathon are being urged to take their own steps to fitness by entering Cancer Research UK's Race for Life.
Library picture: Danny Fitzpatrick / DFphotography.co.ukLibrary picture: Danny Fitzpatrick / DFphotography.co.uk
Library picture: Danny Fitzpatrick / DFphotography.co.uk

Unlike the Virgin Money London Marathon, women signing up to Race for Life in Northampton don’t need to be super fit or fast – because they can do the 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy events at their own pace.

Simon Burley, Cancer Research UK’s Northampton event manager, said: “Many of us watch the Virgin Money London Marathon on TV and feel hugely inspired by the stories and spirit of the runners. This year, we want all those women who felt moved to take action right now by choosing their Race for Life event and signing up.

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“There’s a Race for Life event for every woman – whether they’re looking for a gentle 5k, the fun of overcoming obstacles at Pretty Muddy or the challenge of a full or half marathon.

By taking on a Race for Life event and encouraging their mums, daughters, sisters and friends to join them, participants can improve their fitness, work towards a goal and raise money for life-saving research.

Becoming more active also has longer-term benefits, as research shows that even regular, moderate physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer. Not only does it help people to keep a healthy body weight, but physical activity in itself can reduce the risk of some types of the disease.

Simon added: “Race for Life events are not competitive. They are about an army of women crossing the finish line together in the fight against cancer. Whatever the distance, every step taken around the course will help bring us one step closer to the day when all cancers are cured.

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“The atmosphere is incredibly supportive and pledging to take part, alongside thousands of like-minded women, is a great motivation. With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that Northampton ladies are up for the challenge.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco for the past 15 years, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Marathon events which raises millions of pounds every year to fund research to help beat 200 types of cancer.

Last year, 4,126 women took part in Race for Life in Northampton and raised a fantastic £244,662. This year, organisers need 6,300 women and girls to rally together to help raise £360,000 for vital research.

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s

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Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Northants.

Simon continued: “Race for Life events are all about inclusivity, fun, female camaraderie and fundraising. We know Northampton women have what it takes to go the distance so we’re asking them to sign up today.”

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.