Women urged to Race for Life

MEMBERS of South West Military Fitness are putting on their ‘war paint’ and calling on South West women to join them in the fight against cancer by signing up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

South West Military Fitness want thousands of mums, daughters, grans, friends and colleagues to unite and form a ‘pink army’ at the Race for Life 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events at Westpoint Exeter on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July.

Exeter has been chosen to host one of just three Race for Life Pretty Muddy events taking place in the region this summer and South West Military Fitness will be joining the charity’s Race for Life ‘Battle HQ’ in Princesshay Square on Saturday, May 2 from 11am to encourage ladies to fight dirty when it comes to conquering cancer.

The group will be bringing their boot-camp style fitness routine to the city centre to encourage local women to get their feet moving and blood pumping with a taste of what’s to come in the Pretty Muddy event this summer.

Capturing the fun and camaraderie of Race for Life, Battle HQ will also give shoppers a chance to try the bold face paint designs and funky nail art associated with this year’s events.

Organisers hope the Battle HQ will stop Exeter shoppers in their tracks and motivate local women to sign up to Race for Life on the spot.

Local South West Military Fitness instructor Simon Hebson, said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in Race for Life’s Battle HQ.  We want to encourage local women of all ages, shapes and sizes to join in the fun and sign up for Race for Life today.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and marathon events which raises millions of pounds every year to help beat 200 different types of cancer.

Last year, 3787 women in Exeter pulled on their trainers and put their heart and soul into raising £200,193 for life-saving research. This year, organisers need 6000 women and girls to stride out at the three events to help raise £294,000 and help save more lives.

Ruth Chamings, Race for Life event manager for the South West, said: “We are thrilled that the team from South West Military Fitness will be joining us to help us give shoppers a taste of what’s in store at Race for Life this year.”

As well as the chance to dress head-to-toe in the spirit of Race for Life, shoppers will be invited to take a ‘selfie’ in the Battle HQ tent to share their ‘fight-face’ photo with family and friends.

Ruth continued: “Every day, 84 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West*. That’s why we are calling on the brave ladies of Exeter to help make this year’s Race for Life our best ever. It doesn’t matter how fit or fast you are because Race for Life is not competitive.  It’s about an army of women standing shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to take on cancer.  We urge local women to sign up today.”

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.