New date for Falkirk's Race for Life 2020

The event, which raises funds for Cancer Research UK was due to take place in Callendar Park on Sunday, June 21 and would have included 5k and 10k events.

But due to the coronavirus crisis the organisers have moved it to a date in the autumn.

It will now go ahead on Sunday, September 13 at 11am.

Those who had already signed up for the Race for Life event in June can transfer their entry to the new September date.

Entries are also open for more people to join at raceforlife.org.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “We’re sending a heartfelt message to everyone to seize the opportunity and come join us to Race for Life in Falkirk this September at Callendar Park.

“As the coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, we are listening to the advice and guidance of the UK Government carefully.

“While our priority is ensuring that people affected by cancer get the support and information they need during unprecedented times, we’re having to work quickly to understand the impact the pandemic will have on Cancer Research UK’s fundraising.

“We have urgently reviewed our events, including Race for Life. As the safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff across the hundreds of Race for Life events due to take place in 2020 is incredibly important we have made the decision to postpone the events scheduled in May, June and July including Race for Life Falkirk this June.”

Last year’s Falkirk Race for Life raised £55,878 and the charity hopes even more can be pledged come September.

Lisa added: “Since it began, Race for Life has raised over £890 million for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue throughout this time.”

Every hour four people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland. But the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work relies entirely on the public’s generous support. The charity was able to spend over £42 million last year in Scotland on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. Now many of the scientists and researchers funded by Cancer Research UK are currently being redeployed to help in the fight against Covid-19, including assisting with testing for the virus. By helping to beat coronavirus, the charity can lessen the impact that this virus is having on the care of cancer patients.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k and 10k events which raise millions of pounds every year to find new ways to tackle cancer.

Money raised through Race for Life helps to make long-term research and pioneering trials possible, leading to new tests and kinder treatments, which could save the lives of more men, women and children across Scotland.

For more information, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.