Cancer Research UK has pivoted its annual Race for Life mass participation fundraiser as a virtual event.

The charity’s Race for Life event usually takes place in summer but had to be cancelled this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event has now been repositioned as an online fundraising event called Very 2020 Race for Life, to take place on 26 September.

Supporters are being asked to complete their own 5,000 run to raise funds in their local park or neighbourhoods, by themselves or in socially distanced small groups.

As part of the trend to switch in person fundraising online, a live stream of the day will be hosted on the Race for Life Facebook page. Throughout people affected by cancer will be sharing their stories to highlight the need for donations.

“Creating a collective feeling for participants and helping to recreate the inspiring and heartful atmosphere of a Race for Life event, the stream will include a warm up routine followed by a minute’s silence to remember family and friends who are no longer here or currently undergoing treatment,” said Cancer Research UK.

Sarah Pickersgill, head of Race for Life marketing added: “Over the last few months it might have felt at times like our lives were on hold but one thing that hasn’t stopped throughout the pandemic is cancer.

“We must continue to make progress for people affected by cancer, who have never needed us more. To do this we need the public’s help and by joining us on 26 September for a Very 2020 Race for Life and running, jogging or walking a 5k in local parks or neighbourhoods, people across the UK can make a real difference”

Last month Cancer Research UK revealed it is planning to cut 500 jobs and reduce spending on research as it looks to tackle an anticipated £300m drop in fundraising income due to the coronavirus pandemic.



London Marathon

The mass participation fundraising calendar has been decimated this year due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Among the most high profile events to be hit has been the London Marathon, which is to take place as an elite athlete event only in October. Fundraising participants are instead being asked to take part virtually, using a London Marathon app.

In April the 2.6 challenge was launched by mass fundraising event organisers. This asked people to support good causes through sponsored activities around the number 2.6 or 26. So far this has raised £11.1m.

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