Huddersfield’s Race for Life has been postponed until September – but there will be a Race for Life at Home event as a warm-up in April.
Cancer Research UK has postponed Race for Life events in Huddersfield, Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield planned for this summer.
Covid-19 has caused a devastating loss of research funding. Cancer Research UK is predicting a staggering £300 million drop in income over the next three years which could put future medical breakthroughs at risk.
Now, undeterred women and men are vowing to raise funds by completing their own Race for Life 5k in their nearest green space this April.
They plan to take part outdoors either alone or in small, socially-distanced groups to help people with cancer.
People can visit raceforlife.org to enter Race for Life at Home for £5 then receive a race pack which includes a medal.
Nicki Embleton, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Yorkshire, said: “Even whilst we’re still apart, we can unite against cancer.
“There are a million reasons to Race for Life at Home, to help save lives, for those who have had vital treatment delayed or just for a reason to get off the sofa.
“We want people to run, walk or jog 5k and raise money for life-saving research. 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.
“But we can’t do it alone. Sadly, cancer touches almost every family at some point. Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters.
“That’s why we need as many people as possible across West Yorkshire to join us, to stand united and do something extraordinary to help beat cancer.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, which has been in partnership with Tesco for 20 years, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids event which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
A live broadcast on the Cancer Research UK Race for Life Facebook and Race for Life Instagram pages on Saturday April 24 will include an energiser from a fitness expert as well as inspirational messages of support from people who have been through cancer.
Participants are then invited to run, walk or jog 5k. Organisers are also inviting participants to share photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #RaceatHome
Nicki added: “We’re constantly monitoring the Covid-19 situation and are working hard to move our mass participation Race for Life events to the autumn and to make sure they can go ahead safely.
“We’d love to invite as many people as possible to Race for Life at Home this spring, then physically come together in the autumn.”
Huddersfield’s Race for Life has been re-scheduled for September 12.
To sign up to Race for Life at Home this April visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.
