A FUNDRAISING run for a life-saving charity will return to Colchester later this year.
Cancer Research UK postponed the Race for Life run last summer due to safety concerns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
The charity has now confirmed the event will return as a 5km race around Colchester in the autumn.
Thousands of participants usually take park and the event will again be held in Lower Castle Park, this year on Sunday, October 3.
This year, participants will set off on the Race for Life course either alone or in small, socially distanced groups.
Hand sanitiser will also be provided, with participants encouraged to use it before and after the event.
Read more >> Where are Race for Life events taking place in Essex?
Rhianna Haywood, Cancer Research UK’s spokesman for Essex, said: “Race for Life offers the perfect opportunity for people across the region to run, walk or jog and raise money for life-saving research.
“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 enter the Race for Life - for the people we love, for the people we’ve lost and for the one in two of us who will get cancer.”
Race for Life events are also taking place in Chelmsford, Basildon and Southend.
Rhianna added: “We’ll ask participants to respect social distancing before, during and after the event.
“But we promise our events will remain colourful, emotional and uplifting. The safety of our Race for Life participants is our absolute priority.
“We’ve been constantly monitoring the Covid-19 situation and have developed ways to ensure our events can operate safely, following government guidance.
“It may be that events look a bit different this year but we are working proactively with our venues and suppliers to deliver a socially distanced but great experience.”
Race for Life raises millions of pounds nationally for life-saving research into cancer cures.
The organisers have said if any Race for Life events are cancelled, people will be entitled to a refund of their entry fee or can choose to donate the fee to help fund Cancer Research UK.
To enter the race, or for more information, go to raceforlife.org.
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