Who can take part?
Everyone is welcome! Race for Life is open to all genders, ages, and fitness levels. You can walk, jog, or run - whatever suits you best.
Are there age restrictions for Race for Life events?
Yes, age restrictions vary by event type:
3k, 5k, and 10k events: Open to all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pretty Muddy (Adult): Participants must be aged 13 and over.
Pretty Muddy Kids: Designed for children aged 6 to 12, but children must also be over 1.2m tall. A parent or guardian must always accompany children on the course and site but are not permitted to go on the obstacles.
Always check the specific event page for full details and any local variations.
Can my child take part alone, while I spectate?
No, children aged between 6 and 15 cannot enter individually. They must be registered as an additional entrant, with the primary entrant being 18 or over.
Do I need to be fit to take part?
Not at all. Race for Life is non-competitive and inclusive. Whether you walk, jog, or sprint, your participation helps fund cancer research.
Registration & Fees How do I register?
Register online at raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org. Choose your event, location, and distance, then follow the steps.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, there’s a small fee to help cover event costs. Fees vary depending on the event type and age group.
10k Adult (16+) £17.49 Child (6-15) £11.00 Under 6 Free
5k Adult (16+) £15.99 Child (6-15) £11.00 Under 6 Free
3k Adult (16+) £14.99 Child (6-15) £10.00 Under 6 Free
Pretty Muddy 5k Adult (16+) £22.49 Child (12-15) £12.00
Pretty Muddy Kids Child (6-12) £12.00
Is there a group booking discount for Race for Life?
Not as standard but we may have offers running from time to time.
Can I register on the day?
Advance registration is recommended, but some events may allow on-the-day sign-ups if space permits.
Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?
Unfortunately, registration fees are non-refundable. This policy helps ensure that more funds go directly to supporting Cancer Research UK’s work.
Can I defer my Race for Life place to another event or year?
Unfortunately, Race for Life places cannot be deferred to a future event. Your entry is valid only for the event and date you registered.
Can I transfer my Race for Life place to another person?
No, Race for Life places are non-transferable. Once you’ve registered, your entry is linked to your personal details and cannot be passed on to another supporter.
What is included in my fundraising pack?
Your race pack typically includes:
Your race number (apart from 10k events, where race numbers are collected on the day)
A fundraising guide
A back sign to write who you're racing for
Event day information and tips
When will I receive my fundraising pack?
Race packs are usually sent out a few weeks before the event. If you register close to the event date, you may need to collect your race number on the day - check your event confirmation email for details.
What if my fundraising pack doesn’t arrive?
If your pack hasn’t arrived within 3 weeks, contact the Race for Life support team via the website or your confirmation email. They’ll advise on next steps or arrange a replacement.
Do Race for Life send fundraising packs abroad?
No, fundraising packs are only sent to UK addresses. If you’re registering from outside the UK, you won’t receive a physical pack by post. We advise that you arrive on site with enough time before your event to collect your running number and back sign from the Enquiries marquee.
Can I take part if I don’t reach my fundraising target?
Your entry fee goes towards the cost of putting on the event. It is your fundraising that goes towards our life saving work. Every pound raised helps Cancer Research UK continue its vital work. There is a suggested £50 minimum fundraising target, and we encourage people to raise as much as possible, however you can still take part in the event if you don’t reach this goal.
How do I set up a fundraising page?
After registering, you’ll receive a link to create your personal Cancer Research UK fundraising page. You will then need to login to your page.
Is there a minimum fundraising target?
We ask that participants of the Race for Life pledge to raise a minimum of £50 to help beat cancer. But it doesn't have to end there, you could aim even higher!
What should I wear?
You can wear whatever you like but we recommend comfortable clothes and suitable footwear. You can also buy official merchandise from the Race for Life shop online. For more tips, check out our Getting Ready for Event Day page.
What should I bring?
A refillable water bottle, sunscreen, your race number (apart from 10k events, where race numbers are collected on the day) and back sign. Check your event page for specific guidance.
Can I bring my own refreshments?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own food and drink. Some venues may also have food stalls or refreshments available for purchase.
What time should I arrive for the event?
It’s recommended to arrive before the official start time of your event.
For a 5k and 3k you should arrive no more than 30 to 55 minutes prior to your start time.
For a 10k you should arrive around 60 minutes prior to your start time, as you will need to collect your race number at the enquires marquee.
For Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids you should arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to your start time.
This allows time to:
Park or travel to the venue Attach your race number and back sign
Warm up and stretch
Visit facilities
Enjoy the atmosphere and pre-race activities Your exact start time will be listed in your confirmation email and on your event page. Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events often have multiple start times, so if you arrive and see others already on the course, you haven’t missed your own start.
Is there a warm-up before the race?
Yes! Most events include a fun, group warm-up led by instructors or volunteers to get everyone moving and energised before the start.
Can I wear headphones during the event?
It’s not recommended to wear headphones for safety and communication reasons. It’s important that you can hear announcements, marshals, and other participants.
Are there facilities on site?
Yes, all venues offer toilets, first aid, water stations, and refreshments.
Is there a bag drop at Race for Life events?
Bag drop facilities are only available at London Pretty Muddy events. There are no lockers, changing rooms, or showers at Race for Life events, so it’s best to:
Travel light
Leave valuables at home
Ask a friend or spectator to look after your belongings Always check your event page before the day for the most accurate information about bag drop availability and other facilities.
Is parking available at Race for Life events?
Most venues offer parking, but availability and charges vary by location. Some sites may have limited space or require advance booking. Please check your event page for specific parking details, including directions, accessibility options, and whether public transport is recommended.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Race for Life events go ahead in most weather conditions. In extreme cases (e.g. storms, flooding and extreme heat), events may be postponed or cancelled for safety reasons. You’ll be notified by email, and updates will be posted on the event page and social media.
What is prohibited on an event site?
Smoking and vaping: As per the Race for Life rules, we do ask participants and supporters to refrain from smoking and vaping at a Race for Life event; this is encouraged but due to the scale of our events it is impossible for us to police.
Roller skates or blades: Due to health and safety reasons, we must always protect the welfare of all our participants. Race for Life therefore do not and cannot allow participants to take part in roller skates or blades.
Livestock: For Health and Safety reasons we cannot allow any livestock at our Race events.
Petitions: Cancer Research UK does not permit organisations or individuals to petition either participants or supporters attending Race for Life.
Gazebos: Only registered and approved structures (including marquees and gazabos) can be erected within the main event site. This is due to our venue agreements, licencing and health & safety plans and risk assessments. Please erect your garden gazebo outside of the main event area. The event manager, stewards or security teams will ask any un-approved marquees and gazabos to be removed immediately.
Drones: Cancer Research UK does not permit the launch or flight of drones at any of our event sites other than those contracted by the event team where they hold the relevant licenses, permits, insurances and are suitably risk assessed.
Freelance photographer. We are not considering freelance or volunteer photographer proposals. Suppliers must go through a robust supplier process prior to attending events, so they understand and agree with our event rules. They also agree to an opt out process which is communicated with our supporters in advance.
Headphones or Earphones: We advise against using these during the event so that participants can hear the instruction and guidance from our stewards, marshals and volunteers.
Are Race for Life events accessible?
Many events are wheelchair and pushchair friendly. However, accessibility can vary depending on the venue and terrain. Please check your specific event page for details or contact the Race for Life team if you have questions about access.
Can I take part if I have a medical condition or disability?
Yes. Race for Life is inclusive and welcomes participants with medical conditions or disabilities. If you have specific needs, contact the Race for Life team in advance to discuss support options and route suitability.
Can children take part?
Yes! Children are welcome and often participate with family members. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. For Pretty Muddy Kids, children must be between 6 and 12 years old and have a minimum height of 1.2 meters.
Are pets allowed?
Dogs are welcome at many events, but not all. Please check the event page before bringing your pet. Participants in Race for Life 3k, 5k and 10k Events can take part with their dogs at a wide selection of venues. To confirm whether a particular Event allows dogs, please visit the relevant Event page on the Race for Life website or call us on 0300 123 0770* before entering. Service dogs are permitted at all Events. If you do bring a dog to your Event, you are responsible for that dog at all times and must make sure that: a) the dog is kept on a short lead (extending leads are not suitable), under close control always, and any usual equipment (muzzle / harness etc.) used to control the dog is used on the day. b) the dog has a collar with a clearly identifiable tag. c) adequate water is supplied for the dog to keep them hydrated. d) any dog mess is cleaned up and disposed of responsibly. e) the dog is not kept in a car on a hot day; and f) all instructions given by the Event Manager and officials on the day are followed, including starting your event after the walkers if required. We reserve the right to ask participants and supporters on the day to leave the Event if they do not follow the rules above, or if they bring a dog (which is not a service dog) to a race for life venue where dogs are not allowed, and no refunds will be given in these circumstances.
Can spectators attend Race for Life events?
Yes! Spectators are very welcome and play a big role in creating a supportive and uplifting atmosphere. Friends, family, and colleagues can come along to cheer you on and celebrate your achievement.
Is there a cost for spectators?
No, spectators do not need to register or pay to attend. However, they’re encouraged to support fundraising efforts or volunteer if they wish.
Are there areas for spectators to watch?
Most venues have designated viewing areas near the start and finish lines. Some may also have access points along the route—check your event page for details.
Can spectators bring banners or signs?
Absolutely! Signs, banners, and messages of encouragement are a great way to motivate participants and add to the event spirit. Selective events have a creative station, to design your own cheer point signs.
How should I prepare for my first Race for Life?
Start small: Choose a distance that feels achievable—3k or 5k are great for beginners.
Train gently: A few short walks or jogs in the weeks leading up to the event can help build confidence. We have both walking and running training plans for all distances, which can be found here.
Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after the event.
Arrive early: Give yourself time to park and soak up the atmosphere. Bring support: Invite friends or family to cheer you on or join you! Enjoy the moment: This is about community, remembrance, and hope - not competition.
Capture memories: Take photos and share your experience to inspire others.
What if I feel nervous?
That’s totally normal! Race for Life events are friendly, supportive, and full of encouragement. You’ll be surrounded by people with shared purpose and positivity. Can I take breaks during the event? Absolutely. You can walk, rest, or take it at your own pace. There’s no pressure to finish quickly.
Will I receive a medal?
Yes, all registered participants will receive a Race for Life medal as a thank-you for taking part. Please note that Race for Life medals are only available for registered participants, so unfortunately, we’re unable to provide medals to children under 6 years old.
How do I submit my fundraising money?
If you’ve raised money offline, you can pay it in online or send it by post. Instructions are provided in your fundraising pack and emails that you’ll receive after the event.
Can I volunteer at Race for Life?
Yes! Volunteers are essential to the success of Race for Life. You can sign up online to help with setup, marshalling, or cheering on participants.
https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/about-our-events/volunteer