2,500 people to participate in fundraising race against cancer
Swindonians are set to raise more than ÂŁ150,000
Over 2,500 people from Swindon are set to head to Lydiard Park to take part in the town’s Race for Life today (03 May).
Participants can choose between a 3K, 5K and 10K challenge as well as the Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids.
The event is organised by Cancer Research UK and has been taking place across the country since 1994.
Elizabeth Frisby, divisional event manager for Cancer Research UK, set up the Swindon race and told Greatest Hits Radio: “It is so inclusive. It's not a competitive environment at all. It's all about taking part and doing something amazing to support people suffering from cancer.
“The person who comes over first and the person who comes over last are equally as important. It doesn't matter. It's all about just having fun taking part and doing something for an incredible cause.”
Every participant will be trying to raise money for Cancer Research UK who are expecting Swindon’s racers to collectively reach more than £150,000.
All of them will be given a sign on which they will be able to write their motivation for running which they will then attach to their backs.
“Many people have a deep and meaningful reason for running. They might be running for someone they've lost. They might be running for someone who's going for treatment at the moment or they might be running for themselves or for a friend”, said Ms Frisby.
Almost one in two people will get cancer in their lifetime.
This means everyone will be affected by the disease either directly or indirectly at some point in their lives.
“It's a real moment for a town when it brings everyone together and you have one purpose and one cause, and you're doing something amazing to beat that”, added Ms Frisby.
“It really makes people feel like they're part of a movement towards making the future better.”
You can sign up for Race for Life at raceforlife.org or head over to Lydiard Park to register.