PEOPLE are being invited to step into spring by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Chelmsford. 

The charity’s much-loved events, which raise funds for life-saving research, are returning to Essex. Anyone who joins between Monday March 18 and Monday April 29 can claim 30 per cent off the entry fee as part of a special sale by using the code 24SPRING.

The Race for Life event at Hylands Park on Sunday 14 July is open to people of all ages and abilities.  

Mums, dads, sons, daughters, grandmas, granddads and friends can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events. There is also a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy, a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course, and there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids option. 

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, raises millions of pounds every year across the UK to help beat cancer.  

Louisa Sadler, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Essex, said: “No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. 

Chelmsford Weekly News: Everyone has a reason to Race for Life.Everyone has a reason to Race for Life. (Image: Cancer Research UK)

“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime** but Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK.  

“We’d love for as many people as possible across Essex and beyond to join us at Race for Life. Walk, jog, run or take on the course however it suits best. It’s a chance to feel the power of moving together with fellow Race for Lifers and have fun with it. 

“Spring is an ideal time to commit to getting more active as the days get a little warmer. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.” 

Chelmsford Weekly News: Cancer survivor Andrea Lambrou at Race for Life with son Leo, age three.Cancer survivor Andrea Lambrou at Race for Life with son Leo, age three. (Image: Cancer Research UK)

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress. The UK’s biggest fundraising event series, which raised £33m in 2023, is returning with a shift in attitude this year, determined to shine light on the life saving research that Race for Life has funded and issuing a rallying cry for people to sign up to support the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow.  

Money raised has helped develop radiotherapy which benefits more than 130,000 people with cancer in the UK every year. Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity also funded many large clinical trials looking at the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen and the research shaped the way the drug is used to treat breast cancer today. 

Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country. 

“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and healthier lives, free from the fear of cancer.”  

To enter, visit raceforlife.org    

*Ahmad AS et al, British Journal of Cancer, 2015