Final call to join Race For Life and Pretty Muddy Portsmouth

There’s still time to enter the much-loved events as they return to Southsea Common.

On Saturday over 2,000 people will take part in the mud-splattered obstacle course with an option for both adults and children. Obstacles include a scramble net, tunnels to crawl through, a mud pit, a climbing frame, space hoppers and a giant inflatable slide into a mud pit as a finale.

The Pretty Muddy Kids events, for youngsters aged 6-12 years, start from 10am. The adult events follow from 11am. All obstacles on the Pretty Muddy course are designed with fun in mind and participants are free to skip past any which they don’t want to do.

Meanwhile on Sunday around 2,650 people will complete the 3k, 5k and 10k courses. The 10k begins at 10 am and the 3k and 5k participants will start at 11am.

People can turn up and sign up on the day, or join online at raceforlife.org where you can buy 2 places and get 1 free for any 2025 event! Discount is automatically applied at checkout. If your race pack doesn’t arrive in time, you can pick one up from the Cancer Research UK admin tent on Southsea Common on the day.

Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

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 by funding crucial research.

Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Portsmouth, said: “We’re making a final call to people across Portsmouth to join us at Race for Life, as their participation and contribution is so important.

“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.

“There is an event for everyone and we mean everyone. Our events are strictly non-competitive which means everyone can have a go- and love every minute. There’s no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in. 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.”

Participants and supporters are encouraged to make a day of it by staying on for a picnic after the event and soaking up the vibrant community atmosphere. Activities on offer at some Race for Life venues include musical entertainment, food stalls and a creative station where people can make colourful banners to help cheer on their loved ones.

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.

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 was a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide. Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone - a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.

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 better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”

To enter, visit raceforlife.org