Organisers of Northampton's Race For Life issue heartfelt plea to runners on Valentine's Day

Event organisers are asking women to make a date to beat cancer by signing up for a Race for Life 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy event at Abington Park. The events take place later this year, over the weekend of June 4 and 5.

Simon Burley, Cancer Research UK’s East Midlands Events Manager, said: “Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to spend time with the people we

love. For this reason it’s also the perfect date to enter Race for Life.

“Everyone who takes part in Race for Life, and raises money for life-saving research, will be playing a crucial role in helping more men, women and children survive cancer. They will be giving them the chance to have more time with the people they love and to create more precious memories

together.”

He continued: “Pledging to take part in Race for Life, alongside thousands of like minded women, is incredibly motivating. The atmosphere on the day is full of emotion.

“Participants wear signs on their backs declaring their reasons for taking part. Many will be remembering loved ones lost to cancer or celebrating the lives of people dear to them who have survived.

“And as the cold, dark days of February drag on, knowing that they’ve signed up to Race for Life later in the year could help women of all shapes

and sizes feel more inspired to stick to their resolutions to get a little bit fitter in 2016. With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that women in Northampton are up for the challenge.”

Race for Life events are non-competitive. Taking part is not about being fit or fast and participants can choose to walk, jog, run or even dance

around the course if they prefer.

This year, Race for Life Pretty Muddy will take place for the first time in Northampton. Pretty Muddy is a new women-only, non-competitive 5k obstacle course – with mud. Women can complete the course at their own pace, climbing, jumping, walking and laughing their way around. It’s about women of all ages tackling cancer together and showing cancer who is boss.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise

millions of pounds every year to help fund life-saving research.

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its ground-breaking work but with help from the people of the North East the charity intends to beat cancer sooner.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. However, more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

To enter Race for Life’s 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Northampton, visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.