The Race for Life logo.
Second Logo
Race for Life participants crossing the start line.

What is Race for Life?

Race for Life is Cancer Research UK’s biggest series of fundraising events. We get people moving – and raising money for vital cancer research – all around the UK.

We’ve been raising funds and changing lives for more than a quarter of a century. At our first event in Battersea in 1994, 750 female participants raised £48,000. Since then, Race for Life has grown into a series of hundreds of events across the country, raising over £970m for life-saving treatments.

Today, people of all genders and ages can join in the Race for Life. It’s a race for everyone. For you, your friends and family. Together.

Frequently asked questions

Race for Life runners wearing pink t-shirts and accessories including a pink unicorn headband, flamingo and cowboy hat.

What are the Race for Life events?

Race for Life isn’t just a 5k run. Over the years we’ve added plenty of events to make sure that everyone can have a go, join in and help us outsmart cancer.

There are 3k, 5k and 10k routes to take at your own speed. There’s also the Pretty Muddy® 5k obstacle course to climb over, crawl under and charge through. And, Pretty Muddy Kids events, so even the little ones can lace up and join in.

Race for Life runners wearing pink. One has a back sign which says I am running for Steve who is beating prostate cancer.

Who can take part in the Race for Life?

You! Race for Life is for everyone, no matter your fitness level, background or gender.

Cancer is relentless. But so are we. So, we make sure that everyone can join the Race for Life movement.

Our Race for Lifers are different people with different stories. But we’ve all got one thing in common – together we are beating cancer.

Men running on a grassy route, with the start line in the background.

Can men take part in Race for Life?

In a word: yes!

Race for Life is open to all, so bring your mates, dads, boyfriends, uncles and grandads (and your grandmas, mums and aunties too, while you’re at it.)

What are the events like?

It’s a movement, it’s a party, it’s a family. Our events are strictly non-competitive which means everyone can have a go – and love every minute. There’s no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in.

Where do the funds raised go?

All the money you raise goes towards our life-changing work. You’re helping our scientists work towards a world where everybody lives longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.

Find out where your money goes