Disabled, mobility prams and pushchairs
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not answered here, please call us on 0845 600 6050. Lines are open Monday – Friday, 8.00am to 9.00pm, Saturday and Sunday (and bank holidays) 9.00am to 5.00pm.
1. Can I enter Race for Life if I am disabled and/or am in a wheelchair?
Yes you can, however only certain events venues and route are deemed suitable for wheelchair use. Please take a look at the specific event venue pages or call our hotline on 0845 600 6050 before entering to confirm whether your chosen event is suitable.
2. Are guide dogs and assistance dogs allowed to aid those participating in Race for Life?
Yes, guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted but please ensure:
- Your dog is kept on a lead, under close control at all times
- That any usual equipment (muzzle / harness etc) used to control your dog is employed on the day
- That your dog has a collar with a clearly identifiable tag
- You bring adequate water supplies for your dog to keep them hydrated
- If your dog fouls, please "scoop the poop"
- If it is hot weather, please keep your dog in the shade where possible
Please contact us on 0845 600 6050 before your event, to let us know you will be bringing a guide dog or assistance dog.
3. How are our events assessed to be accessible for wheelchair users?
The majority of our Race for Life events are staged in parkland on grass. Due to the nature of using parks, the site areas / courses and access can be more challenging for everyone- due to grassland and uneven ground etc.
Our team of trained and qualified Event Managers conduct an assessment on the event site based on “BT Countryside for All Accessibility Standards”. These standards consider access to venue, physical barriers, width of routes, ground condition, gradients etc.
If a site passes these standards then it is selected as “Yes with assistance” to indicate that the venue has passed the standard but the individual needs to ensure that they organise any assistance required during the event.
Those event sites that have been selected as 'not suitable for wheelchair users' have been identified due to the nature of the site and the result of the assessment conducted.
4. Can power wheelchair users take part in Race for Life?
We always advise that any wheelchair users liaise with us further about their type of power wheelchair so we can request further detail about the course terrain for individual events with the relevant Event Manager.
Due to some of the courses being on grass not everyone’s wheelchair will Race well on that surface. Therefore the power for the wheelchair sometimes needs to be disconnected to allow the user to be pushed manually. Also if your wheelchair has a high centre of gravity it could result in you toppling over if not assisted, which could endanger everyone’s health and safety. We recommend that you refer to your manufacturer’s instructions about what terrain is suitable for your make/model of wheelchair.
If you have any further queries, please call 0845 600 6050 and one of our team will be able to help.
5. Can manual wheelchair users take part in Race for Life?
We always advise that any wheelchair users liaise with us further about their type of wheelchair so we can request further detail about the course terrain for individual events with the relevant Event Manager.
If you have any further queries, please call 0845 600 6050 and one of our team will be able to help.
6. If you are taking part in a wheelchair with an assistant pushing you, does that person need to be registered for health and safety and can they be men?
Your assistant needs to be registered as a volunteer if they are not registered to take part in the event. This means that men can be your assistant to push the wheelchair as they will be wearing a volunteer T-shirt and covered by insurance. Find out how to volunteer for Race for Life.
7. Can people in mobility scooters take part in Race for Life events?
We’re sorry but unfortunately people in mobility scooters are not allowed take part in Race for Life events. We cannot guarantee that each type of mobility scooter you use will be able to manoeuvre all Race for Life course routes.
