[W]OMEN in Cumbria are being urged to pull on their hiking boots and join the fight against cancer as Cancer Research UK launches an exciting new event in the county.
Carlisle has been chosen to host one of the first Race for Life Hike events in the UK.
The Race for Life Hike at Hadrian’s Wall, Brampton, will take place on Saturday 10 June.
Just five iconic locations in the UK have been selected to hold the first Race for Life Hike events, which take place between June and September.
The event adds to Race for Life 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events already taking place in the city on 17 and 18 June at Bitts Park, Dacre Rd, Carlisle.
Race for Life Hike is a series of one-day, long-distance walking events open to women of all ages and abilities. It offers participants an ideal opportunity to get out in the fresh air, take on a new challenge and help raise money for life-saving research.
The Hadrian’s Wall event offers a challenging and technical hike starting at the ancient remains of Brocolitia Fort and finishing at the stunning Lanercost Priory. The route takes in iconic sections of the wall, including Sycamore Gap, with impressive views across the Northumberland Country Park throughout.
Cancer Research UK is calling on women in Cumbria to join like-minded ladies committed to the cause and sign up right now at www.raceforlife.org. Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to treat cancer and save more lives.
With each route offering stunning scenery and breath-taking views – from the unspoilt Sussex coastline to the dramatic backdrops of the Peak District – participants will be able to explore the great outdoors whilst raising money for a worthwhile cause.
Each 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. Participants will also be treated to a hot meal, glass of bubbly and a medal at the finish line.
Laura Taylor, Cancer Research UK’s Cumbria Event Manager, said: “We’re so excited to bring Race for Life Hike to Carlisle. The route promises to take in stunning local landscapes so it’s the perfect opportunity for ladies to make the most of the great outdoors, right on their doorstep. We’re calling on women to put their best foot forward and sign up now. We’ve no doubt that they’ve got the motivation to go the distance and help beat cancer.
“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 tea, coffee and snacks to help keep them going. The atmosphere on the day promises to be electric as women come together to join 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, Marathon and Hiking events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding vital research.
Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work relies on the public’s support. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the charity was able to spend over £23 million last year in the North West on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research – helping more men, women and children survive.
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. Survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.
Laura continued: “Race for Life Hike has all the fun and camaraderie of our much loved 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events. Whether participants plan to ramble along the route or charge their way around the course, every step they take will help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
“Every week, around 60 people are diagnosed with cancer in Cumbria. That’s why we’re calling on women to sign up right now. By taking part in Race for Life, they can make a real difference. Together, we can stop this devastating disease in its tracks.”
The entry fee for Race for Life Hike is £30 and there’s a suggested fundraising target of £200. Women who sign up will be given a Race for Life Season Pass, offering free entry into unlimited 5k and 10k events to support their training.
To enter Race for Life Hike today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.
Race for Life Hike will take place at the following locations:
- Hadrian’s Wall – 10 June 2017
- Jurassic Coast – 24 June 2017
- South Downs Way – 2 September 2017
- North Norfolk Coast – 2 September 2017
- Peak District – 9 September 2017