Thousands of participants raise over £200,000 for this year’s Race For Life

By Jessica Durston

Over 2,000 people took part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life fundraising event this May at Lydiard Park.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, saw people dressed up in some amazing costumes to take part in an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events.

There were Super Mario costumes, a giant pink poodle, an inflatable crocodile, a giant strawberry and banana, and all helped to raise thousands of pounds to help beat cancer, along with supporters who enjoyed the carnival atmosphere at Lydiard Park, and did their part in funding crucial research.

2023 is the 30th year of Race for Life and participants got a special medal to mark the milestone.

Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives. Organisers say funds are also still coming in even after the event.

There were many people who had been through cancer treatment themselves taking part, supported by friends and family.

There was even a hen party who decided to enter, complete with bride’s veil and a bouquet of flowers as the hen-friends took to the 5k course to enjoy their big day.

Event organiser Georgina Ainsworth, said: “We had the best day where people really went to town in celebrating what is a popular event at Lydiard Park.

“There were groups of school friends, brides, Spiderman and lots of familiar faces who turn up year after year to take part in memory of a loved one or to mark their own journey with cancer. The day was amazing and the weather was kind to us.”

Entries are still open for Race for Life events across the South West of England.

To enter Race for Life for future events,, people can go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.