Race for Life returns to Ilkley - and this year the whole family can take part

Those signing up for the event at East Holmes Field on Sunday, July 5, will be able to double their distance, as for the first time a 10k route is on offer in addition to the 5k course.

And as Race for Life is now open to men too, the whole family can come along to join in.

A family ticket - based on two adults and two children or one adult and three children - gives a discounted entry fee to the 5k and 10k events.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Every week 580 people diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire & the Humber. Taking part in the Race for Life is a hugely moving experience as people come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer, celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived or support those going through treatment.

Emma Willis, Cancer Research UK’s event manager for Ilkley, said: “We are really excited to bring Race for Life back to Ilkley we can’t wait to see everyone coming together.

“Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. The money raised goes towards Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.

“Taking part is easy. Race for Life is a walk in the park, with no preparation needed. You don’t need to train or compete against anyone else, and everyone gets a medal and a cheer at the finish line. But for those in Ilkley who might want a bit of an extra challenge, you can double the distance and sign up for the 10k course.

“Our Race for Life events have been women-only since they started, over 25 years ago. But from last year we changed it so that so that everyone - women, children and now men – can now join in.

Emma added: “We all have a reason to enter the Race for Life. Whether cancer has affected you or someone close to you, we all have a determination to beat it. It is a chance to unite with like-minded people to remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those who have survived.

“All you need to do is go to the Race for Life website, pick an event, sign up and then have fun raising money in whatever way you like. So, come along and stand at the start line with all your friends and family and show cancer it won't win.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

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