Race for Life in Eastbourne has been postponed

The charity has halted all Race for Life events this spring and summer across the UK to protect the country’s health during the coronavirus outbreak. This includes the Race for Life 5K, 10K at Eastbourne Sports Park which can no longer take place on Sunday June 21.

Participants who have already signed up for a Race for Life event will be contacted directly by the charity. It is unclear when the Race for Life event at Eastbourne Sports Park could be rescheduled but a decision will be announced as soon as possible.

Jenny Ainsworth, Cancer Research UK event manager for Eastbourne, said: “As the coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, we are listening to the advice and guidance of the UK Government carefully.

“While our priority is ensuring that people affected by cancer get the support and information they need during unprecedented times, we’re having to work quickly to understand the impact the pandemic will have on Cancer Research UK’s fundraising.

“We have urgently reviewed our events, including Race for Life. As the safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff across the hundreds of Race for Life events due to take place in 2020 is incredibly important we have made the decision to postpone the events scheduled in May, June and July including Race for Life Eastbourne this June. We will aim to deliver as many events as possible later in the year.

“We know this will be a huge disappointment to our supporters, but I’m sure they will understand. We’ll be in touch with everyone who has signed up as soon as possible to let them know next steps.

“Since it began, Race for Life has raised over £890m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.”

Every hour six people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East of England. 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.

Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work relies entirely on the public’s generous support. The charity was able to spend over £34 million last year in the South East on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. Now many of the scientists and researchers funded by Cancer Research UK are currently being redeployed to help in the fight against Covid-19, including assisting with testing for the virus. By helping to beat coronavirus, the charity can lessen the impact that this virus is having on the care of cancer patients.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy 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 the South East.

For more information, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.