Countdown is on for Race for Life in Portsmouth - will you be taking part?

The charity’s much-loved events are returning to the city, but with socially-distanced measures to keep participants safe.

Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, saving lives as the charity fights back from the impact of the pandemic.

Organisers are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to join the 3K, 5K,10K and Pretty Muddy events which take place at Southsea Common on Saturday October 30 and Sunday October 31.

Sam Morris, Race for Life spokesperson, said: ‘We’re making a final call to the people of Portsmouth to sign up today, as their participation and contribution is so important.

‘Race for Life offers the perfect opportunity to run, walk or jog and raise money for life-saving research.

‘All 400 mass participation Race for Life events across the UK were cancelled last year to protect the country’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic. So this year, more than ever, we need people to enter the Race for Life - for the people we love, for the people we’ve lost and for the one in two of us who will get 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 events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding 200 types of the disease - including bowel cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.

This year, participants will set off on the Race for Life course either alone or in small, socially-distanced groups. Hand sanitiser will also be provided, with participants encouraged to use it before and after the event.

Sam added: ‘We’ll ask participants to respect social distancing before, during and after the event. But we promise our events will remain colourful, emotional and uplifting.

‘The safety of our Race for Life participants is our absolute priority. We’ve been constantly monitoring the COVID-19 situation and have developed ways to ensure our events can operate safely, following government guidance.

‘It may be that events look a bit different this year, but we are working proactively with our venues and suppliers to deliver a socially-distanced but great experience.

‘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 Portsmouth to join us, to stand united and do something extraordinary.’

Enter now at raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.