Bury St Edmunds Race for Life cancelled due to coronavirus

The annual Race for Life in Bury St Edmunds which raises thousands of pounds for a cancer charity has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus crisis.

Cancer Research UK has called off all 400 Race for Life events across the UK including the Bury St Edmunds 5k and 10k on Sunday, October 11.

The charity expects to see its fund-raising income decline by up to 25 per cent in the next financial year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and is encouraging people to complete a Race for Life challenge at home.

Patrick Keely, Cancer Research UK spokesman in the East of England, 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.”

Participants are being urged to create their own challenge and share photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #RaceForLifeAtHome.

Mr Keely added: "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."

Visit raceforlife.org