Race for Life Lancashire dates & locations revealed as TV star urges Lancastrians to get involved

The charity’s much-loved events will be taking place across the UK from May to July as communities go ‘all in’ against cancer to raise funds for life-saving research.

Every year around 45,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West.

Money raised at Race for Life, totalling millions of pounds each year, enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, detect and treat the disease - moving closer to a world where everyone can live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.

When are the Lancashire events?

Race for Life events take place across Lancashire this year at Avenham Park, Preston on Saturday June 6, Witton Park Blackburn on Wednesday June 10 and at Blackpool Promenade on Wednesday July 1st and are open to all ages and abilities.

People can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events, plus there is also a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy, a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course, and a Pretty Muddy Kids option at Preston.

How can I sign up?

To enter, visit raceforlife.org

Anyone who signs up in January can claim 30 per cent off the entry fee as part of a New Year sale by using the code RFL26NY.

Why is Traitors star Leanne Quigley encouraging you to get involved?

Leanne Quigley took part in Race for Life with her fiancé Sophie Jones after Sophie was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2024.

The couple led a team who raised more than £1,200 by completing a Pretty Muddy event last summer- an emotional milestone which marked the end of almost a year of treatment.

Sophie, 33, who is now in remission, had five rounds of chemotherapy in total followed by two weeks of radiotherapy to treat HER2 positive breast cancer.

Cancer Research UK scientists carried out work that was key in the development of the breast cancer drug Herceptin, which is among the treatments Sophie received.

They also led clinical trials to show Herceptin improves survival and now this is the gold standard of care for this type of breast cancer, helping more women survive the disease.

Leanne, 30, said: “I’m all in against cancer. It was incredibly hard watching Sophie, the person I love, go through cancer and it put life into perspective.

“It was our gang, our close family and friends who got us through the toughest of times. Crossing the finish line at Race for Life with these people was unforgettable. Sophie is back at work now, we’re planning our wedding and our twin boys turn three in January so there’s plenty to look forward to. And we’re supporting Race for Life to help others facing cancer right now.”

What else has been said about the Race for Life events in Lancashire?

Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North West, Jemma Humphreys said: “It’s time for Lancashire to go all in against cancer.

“Whether you’re a five-a-side crew, book club, dance troupe, yoga club, fancy doing something fun with your friends- or on your own- we want everyone to join us.

“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime**** but all of us can support the research that will beat it. Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer. For those who do enjoy a challenge, our 10k events will again be chip timed, perfect for anyone wanting to track their progress or aim for a personal best. But Race for Life is non-competitive. People can walk, jog or run and go at their own pace. What matters most is showing up together. There is a race for everyone and we mean everyone.”

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress.

Over the past 50 years, Cancer Research UK funded scientists have helped to nearly double breast cancer survival in the UK.

The charity also helped prove the link between tobacco and cancer, preventing millions of deaths worldwide.