On the day
What happens at Race for Life?
Whether you’ve taken part in Race for Life before, or this year is your first time, you need to know what to expect on the day and what you need to bring along with you.
For all the information about your event and its facilities, activities and transport information, check your event page to keep track of all of your latest event details.
Make sure you also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get up-to-date news and tips about Race for Life.
On the day checklist
Don’t forget your info
Remember your backsign and Race number – and don’t forget safety pins so you can attach your sign and number to you.
Have the right kit
Think comfortable clothes and trainers.
Check out the latest range of Race for Life clothing and accessories
Check out the latest range of Race for Life clothing and accessories
Bring a bottle
We’re trying really hard to reduce our single-use plastic consumption at Race for Life this year, so please bring your own reusable water bottle already filled!
In our efforts to make Race for Life as sustainable as possible - we'll be providing a water-refill solution that is cost-effective for the charity and environmentally-friendly, by using as little single-use plastic as possible.
Be SunSmart
Covering up will protect your skin - don't forget your hat and sunscreen too.
Get ready to cheer
Be ready to cheer everyone on!
Be prepared for the sunny weather!
Please stay sun safe and follow these steps at your Race for Life:
☀️ Bring a filled re-usable water bottle and drink to thirst at the event. In an effort to be more sustainable, we no longer provide bottled water. There will be water refill stations at the finish line instead
☀️ Stay SunSmart and dress for the weather, wearing a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses; and using a sunscreen with at least SPF30 and a 4 or 5 star rating
☀️ Go at your own pace
☀️ Keep to shade where possible
☀️ Do not take part in the event if you're feeling unwell or have been unwell recently. If you start to feel unwell at the event, please seek help from event medics immediately
Changing facilities
If you’re getting Pretty Muddy®, remember to bring spare clothes and a towel. Check on your event page to see what facilities there are at your event venue.
Unfortunately, there are no lockers, changing facilities or showers at the Race for Life events, so please bear this in mind and ask friends to look after your valuable belongings, clean clothes and towels.
Can I take part with my dog?
We allow participants to take part with their dogs at some of our events.You can check this under ‘Facilities’ on your event page.
However, we would ask that you be a responsible dog owner when bringing your pet to a the Race for Life event, and make sure you bring water to keep your pet hydrated.
Ask your friends to volunteer
Our events couldn't happen without our amazing volunteers.
We're always on the lookout for folks to help at our events. If you know any lovely people joining you on the day who can offer a spare pair of hands, then why not suggest they volunteer? It’s also really fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, just enjoy the event build up and listen for instructions from the stage. No need to come to the enquiries tent.
Don't worry - visit our enquiries tent on the day for a new one. Remember to leave extra time for this in case of queues.
For Pretty Muddy events, the most popular place is the Mud Slide, which is usually positioned within 500m of the finish line.
For 5k and 10k events, visit the enquiries tent and they may be able to direct you if the course is accessible. Otherwise, the finish line is always good.
At some Pretty Muddy® events there is a bag drop but please do check your event details before the day for the most accurate information.
Listen out for announcements from the stage on the day.
There are toilets in the start and finish area but not on the course.
Water refill stations can be found at the finish line at all of our events, but 10k events have water refill stations at the halfway point as well. We strongly recommend bringing your water bottle already filled on event day to keep you hydrated.
You can enter on the day using your smartphone, if you don’t have a smartphone we can still enter you on the day but can only take cash payments.
We strive to ensure that as many of our Race for Life events are accessible to as many people as possible, and we welcome wheelchair users to our events. We prefer not to determine the suitability of our courses, as this does depend on the skill, experience and confidence of the wheelchair user and their carer (if needed). To help wheelchair users determine the suitability of this event for them to take part, the Event Manager will have completed a risk assessment to determine how accessible the course is. Please refer to the accessibility section of the individual Race for Life event page to view the assessment.
