Race for Life organisers still planning Bedford event this year despite pandemic

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People in Bedford are being encouraged to look beyond lockdown by making a date to join Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in the town.

The charity’s events are aiming to return to the area later in the year but with socially-distanced measures to help keep participants safe. Anyone who signs up this January can claim a special 30 per cent off the entry fee by using the code JAN2021.

The Race for Life event at Priory Park in Bedford July 3 and 4 is open to people of all ages and abilities.

Cancer survivor Sara WilsonCancer survivor Sara Wilson
Cancer survivor Sara Wilson

And it's hoped as much money as possible can be raised - with Cancer Research UK predicting the pandemic will cost a staggering £300million drop in income over the next three years.

Pippa Waite, Cancer Research UK’s event manager for Bedford, said: “All 400 mass-participation Race for Life events across the UK were cancelled last year to protect the country’s health during the Covid-19 pandemic. So this year, more than ever, we need people to come together and help beat the disease.

“The truth is, Covid-19 has slowed us down. But we will never stop and we are absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow."

Participants will set off on the course either alone or in small socially-distanced groups. Hand sanitiser will also be provided at all events with participants encouraged to use it before and after the event.

Pippa added: “We’ll ask participants to respect social distancing before, during and after the event. It means that this year people should refrain from hugging others at the finish line. But we promise our events will remain fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting.

“We hope that none of our Race for Life events are cancelled in 2021 and will do everything we can to keep people safe. If we do have to cancel any of our events we will let participants know as soon as possible and they will be entitled to a refund.”

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