Hampshire charity offers free marathon places to cancer remission patients to encourage exercise
It comes as a charity say research shows exercise helps with prevention and recovery
Last updated 14th Sep 2025
A Hampshire charity and marathon event is offering free places to those in remission of cancer to encourage exercise.
Garmin New Forest Marathon's running several events including a Woodland Walk, Junior Race, 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and Marathon.
Run4Cancer's offering those in cancer remission to run for free to encourage a structured exercise regime after finding exercise helps with remission and recovery.
Andy Hayward, Founder of 4 Cancer, said: "That's not to say everyone should literally go and buy a pair of trainers and try and run a marathon after being diagnosed, it's got to be a very much approved process working with healthcare professionals.
"Small steps can quite literally have a huge impact on recovery.
"People will be able to start at different levels.
"Some will find it a challenge to just walk around the park, others will find a mile, 5k or three miles easier.
"I guess the message is it doesn't matter what most people find normal, it's about finding what your normal is."
The Run4Cancer charity are made up of runners who have all been affected by cancer.
They raise funds through events, providing days out for families affected by cancer and aim to encourage people to "get active and stay active".
Mr Hayward gave his advice for people in remission of cancer who may wish to start running.
He said: "Everything has got to come through the medical profession so the first thing to do is to check with your GP or oncologist to check that they're comfortable with them starting an exercise programme.
"Physios can be a really good port of call to get advice, and equally personal trainers at gyms as well will be able to help with that process.
"The thing to remember is that a pair of trainers or running shoes is a lot cheaper than buying a bike or other forms of equipment that we would need to do other forms of exercise, so often running or walking is the cheapest way to stay active."