New date for Cancer Research UK's Race for Life in Winchester

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Winchester will no longer take place on May 31 and instead has been rescheduled for September 12.

The cancer support charity has decided to postpone the race to protect people’s health during the coronavirus outbreak.

But as the country continues on lockdown, undeterred women and men are already vowing to carry on and complete a Race for Life challenge at home, in their garden or their nearest green space.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Hampshire, said: “At a time when it feels like everything’s at a standstill, there is one thing that hasn’t stopped - cancer.

“Our priority as a charity is ensuring that people affected by cancer are getting the support they need right now. But we are already getting people asking about doing Race for Life at Home this spring because they don’t want to see the charity lose out on vital funding and because they feel that the fight against cancer shouldn’t stop for anything – even coronavirus. It’s truly humbling to see the response.

“From their homes, we’d love for supporters to join us and Race for Life at Home in these challenging times. From a walk, jog or run or 5K around the garden to limbo in the living room, there is no wrong way to Race for Life at Home. With no entry fee, people might choose to twerk, limbo, star jump, squat, skip, dance, or come up with their own novel way of taking part and share it with friends. The message is very much that ‘while we might be apart, we’re doing this together’. There is no wrong way to get involved and join our community.

“Those lucky enough to have a garden may choose to make use of it but whatever people decide to do, we are immensely grateful for the support, now more than ever. We could be looking at hundreds of people in Hampshire stepping forward to Race for Life at Home and perhaps making a donation to do so.”

To sign up and take part in the race, visit raceforlife.org.