Wakefield's 'treasured' Race for Life cancelled for first time in history

Wakefield's Race for Life has been cancelled for the first time in more than 25 years.

The annual charity run, which raises thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK, had initially been planned for early June, and was postponed until October as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

But organisers have now confirmed that the race has been cancelled for the first time in its 27 year history.

Participants who had already signed up to the event will be contacted directly.

Nicki Embleton, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in Yorkshire, said: “We remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital. We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.

“Since it began in 1994, 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.

“We know Race for Life is such a treasured part of the UK’s events calendar and it is with a heavy heart that for the first time in 27 years we have to announce that it won’t be taking place. The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is however essential.

“We hope the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021. In the meantime, we’d love to invite as many people as possible to join us by taking part in Race for Life at Home in these challenging times.”

Race for Life 5k, 10k, and Pretty Muddy events across the country have been cancelled, leading Cancer Research to predict a fall of 25 per cent in their fundraising income.

But the charity are encouraging people to take part in a Race for Life at Home event instead, organising their own challenge to raise funds, and sharing their progress with the #RaceForLifeAtHome hashtag.

Nicki said: “Cancer hasn’t stopped, and people affected by cancer need our support more than ever.

“From a run or 5K walk around the garden or local park 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, star jump, squat, skip, dance, trampoline, or come up with their own novel way of taking part and share it with friends.

"We’re urging everyone – men, women and children – to join our community and help raise vital funds.”