FOR the first time, men, women and children can take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

People in Oxford are being encouraged by the charity to mark Sunday, July 14 as the day to run the 5k or 10k event.

The charity run, which is in partnership with Tesco, has always been open to women to participate in since it started over 25 years ago, but it is now open to all.

Sophie Heath, Cancer Research UK’s Oxford event manager, said: “We now feel the time is right to open the race up so that everyone - women, men and children – has the chance to participate together.”

People can also take part in the Pretty Muddy event and children in the Pretty Muddy Kids event which all help to raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

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The event manager said: “Our Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. You don’t have to be sporty to take part or need to train or compete against anyone else.

“Taking part in our event enables like-minded people to get together and remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those wo have survived."

 

She added: "They are also helping to make a difference to people suffering with cancer now. It’s a perfect example of everyday people doing an extraordinary thing – uniting in a common cause to beat cancer.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime.

So far, Cancer Research UK has been able to fund research to fight 200 types of cancer and more people are surviving the disease than ever before with cancer survival in the UK doubling since the early 1970s.

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Ms Heath said: “To make a significant difference in the fight against cancer we need to harness as much energy and commitment as possible – so what better way than involving everyone in the community.

"We''re urging mums, dads, nans, grandpas, brothers, sisters, friends and workmates to show their support."

Race for Life will be held at University Parks in Oxford.

There is a 30 per cent discount on entry fees to all Race for Life events, excluding Pretty Muddy Kids, when you use the code RFL30.

To enter, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.