1. Race for Life
  2. Volunteer

Volunteer

Be a part of something special

Support participants at Race for Life, one of our biggest series of fundraising events. 

Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Race for Life events. However you can help, for however long, you’ll be doing something amazing.

Just bring your energy, smiles and passion to the party. We’re all helping to fund life-saving cancer research. Together.

Choose between hundreds of events around the country where you can help set up the Race area, support our participants around the course or hand out medals at the finish line.

Find your nearest event

What to expect when volunteering

Ready for a fun-packed day full of warmth and laughter? We’ve got plenty of different things you could do – you'll get more details once you've signed up. The Event Manager will contact you around four weeks before the event to give you all the information you need, and to answer your questions.

Check out the kind of jobs you could be getting involved with below!

Share your story with your volunteer back sign

Download your volunteer back sign and share the story behind why you volunteer. 

We really appreciate any time that you can spare. No matter how long you can spend with us, your helping hands will make all the difference to the event – and to fundraising for life-saving cancer research.

Please let the Event Manager know how long you can be on site. We’ll make sure the role works for you. We need volunteers to help set up and pack down so don’t worry if you can’t stay the whole day.

Of course you can! Before you get going, please do not register online. Instead, you’ll need to fill in a paper application form and have it signed by a parent or guardian. You can do this on the day, or request a form prior to the event by emailing volunteering@cancer.org.uk, letting us know your name, age and which event you want to volunteer at. We will then pass on your details to the Event Manager who will be in touch nearer the time with further details. Under 16s: you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the day.

  • It’s an amazing experience – there's no atmosphere quite like our Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events.
  • The warm feeling of knowing that you are making a difference to the life-saving work Cancer Research UK is doing right now.
  • The experience of working with one of the UK’s leading charities on its biggest national event series.
  • Meeting new and like-minded people in your local area and creating a positive impact in your community.
  • Learning new skills and gaining new experiences to support you in your personal and career development.

The Event Manager will contact you before the event to discuss any queries you have about the event or your role. You’ll receive a briefing before the event and a full explanation of your role on the day. On the day all volunteer teams have a designated manager who will guide and support you in your role and answer any questions you may have.