[C]UMBRIAN women inspired by the heroic effort of participants at yesterday’s Virgin Money London Marathon (22 April) are being urged to take on their own fitness challenge by entering Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Hike from Keswick to Coniston.
On Monday 23 April, women in Cumbria are being offered £5 off entry fees for Race for Life Hike, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Half Marathon and Hike events using the code MARA2018.
Race for Life Hike is a series of one-day, long-distance walking events open to women of all ages and abilities. With each route offering striking scenery and beautiful views – from the UNESCO World Heritage coastline to the famous Brecon Beacons – it offers participants the chance to explore the great outdoors whilst raising money for a worthwhile cause.
Each Hike route is between 20 and 26 miles, involving a mix of challenging terrains, with an expected walking time of 8 to 12 hours. The routes are fully planned with maps provided at registration. So unlike the Virgin Money London Marathon, women signing up to Race for Life Hike in Cumbria can walk at their own pace, but still be doing a similar marathon distance. Participants will also be treated to a hot meal, glass of bubbly and a medal at the finish line.
The Race for Life Hike from Keswick to Coniston will take place on Saturday 19 May. There is also a Race for Life Hike at Hadrian’s Wall on 9 June.
Laura Cass, Cancer Research UK’s Hike Event Manager, said: “Many of us watch the Virgin Money London Marathon on TV and feel hugely motivated by the inspiring stories and unwavering determination of the participants. This year, we’re encouraging women to follow the lead of the marathon runners and take on their own fitness challenge by signing up to Race for Life Hike.
“Participants will have access to training guidance and fundraising advice before the event, and there’ll be plenty of support points along the route offering drinks, snacks and lunch to help keep them going. The atmosphere on the day promises to be really special as women unite in the fight against the disease.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Half Marathon and Hiking events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding crucial research. The charity is also running Race for Life 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy 5k obstacle course events at Lowther Castle, Penrith, on 9 and 10 June and at Bitts Park, Carlisle, on 15th July.
One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.
Laura continued: “Every day, five people are diagnosed with cancer in Cumbria. That’s why we’re urging women in Cumbria to sign up right now at raceforlife.org.
“By signing up to Race for Life, women across Cumbria will make a real difference in the fight against cancer. Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.
“Taking part in Race for Life is a hugely moving experience – full of fun, emotion, tears and laughter. The passion and energy of our participants is truly inspiring as women unite to give their all to the cause. Whatever the distance – whether it’s 5k or 26 miles – every step participants take will help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”
To enter Race for Life today visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.