[O]RGANISERS of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Penrith regret to announce the event – due to take place next month on September 16 – has been cancelled.
The charity has taken the difficult decision not to stage the new fundraising 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events at Lowther Castle after fewer participants than expected signed up.
Organisers had already postponed the event from June until September to try to increase the number of entries.
Although over 600 women had signed up to take part, figures remained lower than anticipated.
Laura Cass, Cancer Research UK’s Senior Event Manager for the North West, said: “All 640 participants of the Penrith Race for Life will be contacted by Cancer Research UK. We are very sorry for any disappointment caused by this decision and hope our supporters will understand why we are taking this action.
“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it, and save lives, is with their help.
“Race for Life raises money to fund life-saving research. So, we owe it to our participants and supporters to ensure that we raise as much money as possible in the most cost-efficient way.”
Laura added: “We want to pass on a sincere thank you to the women who had signed up.
“We would also like to thank Lowther Castle for their support.”
Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women
Carlisle Race for Life, which took place at Sheepmount Stadium in July, saw over 2,400 ladies take part.
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 find new ways to tackle cancer.
Money raised through Race for Life helps to make long-term research and pioneering trials possible, leading to new tests and kinder treatments, which could save the lives of more men, women and children across Cumbria and the North West.
Further information about the cancellation of this event and a list of alternative venues are available at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0300 123 0770.