Are you ready to Race for Life this weekend?

On Sunday, June 9th, hundreds of adults and children will run, jog or walk the traditional 10k and 5k routes from 10 am in memory of loved ones lost, to celebrate survivors and to help fund treatments of the future.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, raises millions of pounds yearly to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. It enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, helping people save more lives.       

Salisbury Radio's Ian Burrage will host the event and help get runners ready, warmed up, and in the right place for their race.

Entries are still open for Race for Life events across the region, and people can sign up to take part or volunteer on the day. 

Participants are asked to arrive 45 minutes before their event begins to enjoy the energising warm-up and photo opportunities.

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have participated 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.   

Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Wiltshire, said: “We are grateful to everyone who supports Race for Life Salisbury. No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for.

“Sadly, nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime.* 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 Wiltshire and beyond to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone, and we mean everyone. 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 to treasure that moment of crossing the  finish line.   

“Whether people are living with cancer, are taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with the disease or are in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”   

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