Sign up now and join the Race for Life to beat cancer (From Wharfedale Observer)

Sign up now and join the Race for Life to beat cancer

9:00am Sunday 10th February 2013 in Local news

Ilkley women who vowed to get fitter in 2013 are being urged to sign up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Race for Life in East Holmes Field, Ilkley, takes place on July 14, so entering today will give mums, grans, sisters and friends a fitness and fundraising target to aim for.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of events which raises millions of pounds every year to help defeat cancer by funding life-saving research.

Philippa Sharpe, Cancer Research UK’s Ilkley event manager, said: “Women of all shapes, sizes, ages and levels of fitness take part in Race for Life. They come from different backgrounds and walks of life but they are united by their absolute determination to take on cancer and beat it.

“Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease. Participants may be decked out in pink or fancy dress but what’s inescapable is the power and strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer.

“We know many women want to take part but are worried about completing the 5k course. But Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Taking part is about uniting against a disease that affects all of us. You can walk the 5k route, run it or jog it if you prefer.”

Last year, 930 women took part in Race for Life in Ilkley and raised £52,341. This year, organisers need 1,500 women and girls to stride out to help raise £90,000 for vital research.

Philippa continued: “Come on ladies, enter Race for Life in Ilkley today. Together, we can hit cancer where it hurts!

“There are more than 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all. This is a powerful reason to commit to take part and start planning to get a bit more active. And the first step is easy, just round up family, friends and colleagues and enter together.

“You don’t need to go out and pound the pavements, unless you really want to! Walking is a great form of exercise and when the weather picks up it’s really easy to fit some extra steps into your day.”

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Yorkshire.

To enter Ilkley Race for Life, go to raceforlife.org or call 0845 6006050.