Race for Life in Portsmouth is postponed - organisers have announced new dates

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Portsmouth was due to take place on the weekend of July 11 and 12 on Southsea Common.

But due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions the Portsmouth Race for Life 5K and 10k events have been rescheduled for Sunday, October 31.

The Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events have been rescheduled for Saturday, November 1.

Participants who had already signed up for the events in July can transfer their entry to the new dates.

Georgina Horne, Portsmouth race event manager, said: ‘We have urgently reviewed our events, including Race for Life. As the safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff across the hundreds of Race for Life events due to take place in 2020 is incredibly important we have made the decision to postpone the events scheduled in May, June and July including Race for Life Portsmouth this July.

‘As the coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, we are listening to the advice and guidance of the UK Government carefully.

‘While our priority is ensuring that people affected by cancer get the support and information they need during unprecedented times, we’re having to work quickly to understand the impact the pandemic will have on Cancer Research UK’s fundraising.

‘We’re sending a heartfelt message to everyone to seize the opportunity and come join us to Race for Life in Portsmouth later this year on Southsea Common.’

Since it began in 1994, Race for Life has raised over £890m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

The charity was able to spend over £34m last year in the South East on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

Now many of the scientists and researchers funded by Cancer Research UK are currently being redeployed to help in the fight against Covid-19, including assisting with testing for the virus.

Entries are still open for more people to join the race at raceforlife.org