Still time to enter Exeter's Race for Life

With warmer weather, lighter evenings and six weeks until Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Exeter, Devon women are being urged to put a spring in their step by signing up to the 5k or new 10k event.

Taking part in Race for Life at Westpoint Arena is a great way for women of all shapes and sizes to enjoy the outdoors and get a little more active as they prepare for their event.

Committing to take part, and encouraging their mums, grans, daughters, sisters and friends to join them, gives participants a target to aim for, in terms of getting a bit fitter and raising money to beat cancer sooner.

This year, Race for Life in Exeter takes place on Sunday 27 July.

Ruth Chamings, Cancer Research UK’s Exeter Event Manager, said: “Race for Life is not competitive and it’s not about being fit or fast. It’s about thousands of women coming together to show cancer who’s boss.

“You don’t need to pound the pavements or be decked out in lycra to do your bit. Participants can choose to walk, jog, run or even dance their way around the course. Whichever way they reach the finish line, they are united by their determination to beat cancer.”

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

Although the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is going up - largely due to the fact that people are living longer and cancer is predominantly a disease of old age - the good news is that, thanks to research, survival rates have doubled in the past 40 years. More people across the South West are now beating the disease than ever before.

Last year, 3300 women took part in Race for Life in Exeter and raised a fantastic £174,380. This year, organisers need 4000 women and girls to take part in the 5k and 10k events and help raise £218,497 for vital research.

Ruth added: “You don’t need to embark upon a tough training regime – unless you really want to! A gentle walk is a great form of exercise, and with lighter evenings now upon us, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the fresh air, get fit and gear up for the Race for Life experience. The atmosphere and excitement on the day will get everyone’s blood pumping!”

Becoming more active has benefits that continue well after the event, as research shows that even regular, moderate physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer. Not only does it help to maintain a healthy body weight but it also has a protective effect in itself.

To help women get ready for the Exeter event, leading fitness expert Lucy Wyndham-Read offers her top five training tips:

Music is a great motivator so why not create your own playlist featuring high tempo tracks – anything above 135 beats per minute is perfect for walking or try 145 beats per minute for jogging.
Involve friends in your fitness regime – it’s a great way to keep each other motivated and spend quality time together. You could even host your own ‘Come Train With Me’ parties for healthy post-workout dinners.
Summer is all about new trends so why not treat yourself to a new training outfit? Check out the Race for Life website for a range of brightly coloured t-shirts, leggings and hoodies. You’ll also feel more confident in your brand new kit.
Keep a spare pair of trainers and workout kit at work or in your car – so if you ever have a spare 20 minutes, you can head out for an impromptu walk or jog.
Remember that small changes can make a big difference. Just a 10 minute walk every day will help you feel brighter, fitter and more energised. So what are you waiting for?

Free training plans for different levels of ability are available on the Race for Life website.

The six-week training plans are designed for walkers, joggers or runners. They feature guidance on warming up and stretching, as well as motivation.

To enter Race for Life events in the South West, visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.