Colchester 5k 2023
Colchester 5k
Sunday 9 Jul 2023
£15.99 Adults | £11.00 Children, under 6s free
Minimum fundraising target: £50
Life is worth Racing for. Enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and raise money for life-saving cancer research.
About the 5k event
The 5k is an achievable distance and a good first challenge for most people. At just over 3 miles it can take about an hour to walk on average, but there's no pressure to finish in a certain time. Go at your own pace to help fund life-saving cancer research.
Join forces or go solo
You can take part in any Race for Life event as an individual or a group to raise money for life-saving research. Walk, jog or run together in a group or go solo at your own pace, or lead the way as a Group Leader and get family, friends and colleagues involved! However you choose to get muddy, you’re helping to beat cancer.
Warm up with other Race for Lifers
Shake off any pre-Race nerves and get moving with our fun warm-up session just before your event.
Supporters and spectators welcome
Bring along as many supporters as you like to cheer you on! We’ve got things for everyone to do, check out the Location section above to see what’s happening on the day.
Soak up the atmosphere
After you've completed the course, stay on and celebrate with other participants, friends and family with a picnic in the park.
Your entry fee covers the cost of your event, but your fundraising helps us save and improve lives. Join the celebration, join the family, and join the thousands helping to raise the money we need to power Cancer Research UK’s biggest discoveries.
Event details
Once you sign up for your Race for Life event, you'll receive an email with all the need-to-know details to help you feel fully prepared for the day.
Meeting point
The start line is within the main field in Lower Castle Park, next to the bowling green. You will see the main event area with the marquees, flags and staging.
To access the Start Line please enter Lower Castle park from Rye Gate. Rye Gate is accessed via Middle Mill Road found at the bottom of Maidenburgh Street, Northgate Street & St Peters Street. Please do not enter from Upper Castle Park direction or from Leisureworld’s direction as Race for Life participants will be running through these gates and areas due to the staggered start times.
If using what3words, enter ///chips.groups.manual in the free app, to find the exact starting point.
https://www.what3words.com/chips.groups.manual?partner=RaceForLife
Please remember to bring your own water bottle already filled as there will be no bottled water provided at events. ScottishPower water refill stations will be available to use.
There is no parking at the venue however NCP Colchester High Street (Public Car Park) is a 5 minute walk away:
Nunns Road, Colchester, CO1 1EJ
1 hour = £2.45
2 hours = £4.90
3 hours = £7.35
4 hours = £9.80
Rates may be cheaper via the payment app, for more information please visit https://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/colchester-high-street/
Colchester Train Station and bus services are just a walk away, for more information please go to www.visitcolchester.com
Dogs allowed
Suitable for pushchairs
Wheelchair accessible
Toilets
No bag drop
Refreshments
No showers
No parking
This route is mainly on grass and pathways with a few inclines. The ground can become soft and muddy near the river when there has been wet weather. For this reason we feel that wheelchair users would require assistance.
If you require any further information on the accessibility of a Race for Life event, or wish to bring a carer/helper to accompany you, please contact our Supporter Hotline on 0300 123 0770 and press 1 when prompted (Opening hours are 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday) or email us at raceforlife@cancer.org.uk
Bring a water bottle
We’re trying to reduce single-use plastic at Race for Life. Please bring your own reusable water bottle, already filled. We'll provide an ecofriendly water-refill station at the finish that uses as little single-use plastic as possible.
Have the right kit
It’s a good idea to check the weather before your event and dress accordingly. Think breathable sports gear (leggings and shorts are ideal) and well-fitting trainers. For Pretty Muddy, wear something you don’t mind getting dirty.
Check out the latest range of Race for Life clothing and accessories in our online shop.
Be sun smart
Stay sun safe by finding shade when you’re not on the course and covering up with clothes, a hat and sunglasses. On parts you can’t cover, use sunscreen with at least SPF15 and a 4 or 5 star rating. Find out more about being sun smart.
Your back sign and race number
Remember to bring your back sign and Race number which will be sent to you in the post – don’t forget safety pins so you can attach them to you.
We're with you every step of the way
Get fundraising support
When you sign up to an event, you'll get fundraising support every step of the way. Get top tips, ideas and resources to help you hit your target and raise as much money as possible for life-saving cancer research.
Prepare for your 5k event
Choose a training plan to help you get Race for Life ready. You could even use Strava or Fitbit to track your walk, jog or run.
Facebook community support
Once you've signed up, join the Race for Life Super Supporters Facebook group to help you get motivated!
