Who can enter Race for Life
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not answered here, please call us on 0871 641 1111. Lines are open Monday – Friday, 8.00am to 9.00pm, Saturday and Sunday (and bank holidays) 9.00am to 5.00pm. Calls cost 10.916p plus up to 5.106p per minute from BT Calling Plans (ex-VAT). Mobile and other providers' charges may vary.
1. Who can take part in Race for Life?
Race for Life is open to all women. Entry restrictions apply to those under 18. Only certain events venues and routes are deemed suitable for wheelchair use – please check on the specific venue pages for more detail.
2. Can my child enter Race for Life?
Girls aged five or over can enter Race for Life for £10, but they must be registered before your event day. All children under the age of five (boys or girls) do not have to be registered and they can come along free of charge.
3. Are boys allowed to take part in Race for Life?
Yes, boys under the age of 12 (on the day of their event) are now able to take part in Race for Life, if they are signed up by an adult female who is also taking part in the same race.
4. Why are boys allowed to enter Race for Life?
For the first time last year we trialled allowing boys to take part in Race for Life alongside an adult female and due to feedback we’ve received from supporters we have now decided to let boys under the age of 12 take part alongside an adult female this year.
5. Can my son take part even though I’ve already entered Race for Life?
Yes, if you call us on 0871 641 1111 you can enter your son into an event even if you’ve already entered. It would help us if you have your Unique Reference Number to hand when you call (this is the number that is printed on the letter in your Race for Life pack and on all emails we’ve sent you). We’ll ask you for your details and to confirm that you give your parental consent for him to take part.
6. Can I submit an entry for my son on the Race for Life website?
No - you can only enter an under 12 year old boy into a Race for Life event by calling us on 0871 641 1111.
7. What age restrictions are there?
Entry rules for participants:
Under 16s:
• Cannot enter individually
• Must be an additional entrant, where the primary entrant is over 18
• Must give contact details for a parent or guardian
16 and 17 year olds:
• Can enter individually
• Do not need parent or guardian details
• Cannot be the primary entrant for multiple entries
• Cannot be responsible for entrants under 16
Over 18s:
• Can enter individually
• Can be the primary entrant for multiple entries
• Can be the primary entrant for an additional entrant under 16 and/or a group leader
8. Can I take part if I am a transvestite or transgender?
Under the Gender Recognition Act 2004 we are happy to accept entries from individuals who possess a female birth certificate or gender recognition certificate. However, as Race for Life is a female-only event we have a promise and responsibility to our female supporters to ensure our Race for Life events are represented by women only. Therefore, if you do not have either a gender recognition certificate or a female birth certificate, we are afraid you will not be able to participate in Race for Life. There are, however, a variety of other events Cancer Research UK supports that you will be able to participate in. Find more events near you.
9. Can I take part with my dog?
We allow participants to take part with their dogs at some of our venues - check your event page for details. However, we would ask that you be a responsible dog owner when bringing your pet to a Race for Life event as there will be a range of children and adults.
You must ensure:
• your dog is kept on a lead, under close control at all times, and any usual equipment (muzzle / harness etc) be used to control your dog on the day.
• 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 note there are number of our Race for Life venues that don't permit dogs on site (with the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs). Please take a look at your event page for details or call our hotline on 0871 641 1111 before entering to confirm whether your chosen event allows dogs.
