# Race for Life events return for 2021

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/06/22/race-for-life-events-return-for-2021/
- Published: 2021-06-22T09:28:13+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

The physical Race for Life series of events is to return this autumn, after all 
400 across the UK were cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Cancer Research UK’s [Race for Life](https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/),
run in partnership with [Tesco](https://www.tesco.com/), is back with a new campaign
developed with [Anomaly](https://anomaly.com/), which encourages people to run, 
walk or jog at their local event this autumn.

The campaign creative champions the idea that everyone can play their part in beating
cancer. Aligning with Cancer Research UK’s brand response campaign, which launched
earlier this month, it highlights that 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime,
but everyone can support the research that will beat it, with event participants
helping to fund life-saving research.

## Advertisement

The campaign will be seen across TV, radio, video on demand, PR and social media.
Media has been planned and bought by MediaCom. 

The 30” TV advert invites everyone to ‘Race for Life together again’ and features
people affected by cancer, alongside participants at Race for Life events. It ends
with powerful footage of the Race for Life back sign, where people show who they
are taking part for.

There are over 400 events planned to take place between late August and October 
this year. Alongside the 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy obstacle courses for adults and
children, 3k routes are available for 2021. Covid-19 safety measures will be in 
place at all events, including splitting participants into waves to avoid congestion.

Philip Almond, Executive Director of Marketing, Fundraising and Engagement at Cancer
Research UK, said:

> “Covid-19 hit us hard last year and it was a devastating decision to cancel our
> events. But we’re back and ready to Race for Life again. The safety of our participants
> is our top priority, and we’ve developed ways to ensure our events can operate
> safely, following government guidelines. Our events might look a little different
> this year, but will still be a great experience for everyone taking part.
>  
> “This past year proves, more than any other, the value of investing in science
> and medical research, and what can be achieved with collective focus and collaboration.
> Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating
> cancer. By doing Race for Life and raising money, people will be supporting our
> vital work to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and, ultimately, save more lives.
> We hope the new campaign demonstrates how everyone can be part of the solution
> and inspires people to sign up to their local Race for Life event.”

Since it began in 1994, Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, has raised over
£896m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. And, in 2021, Tesco is celebrating
20 years in partnership with Race for Life. During this time, 390,000 Tesco colleagues
and customers have taken part in an event.

## More on mass participation fundraising events

 * **[CRUK’s Race for Life is most successful mass participation event](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/08/01/cruks-race-for-life-is-most-successful-mass-participation-event/)(
   1 August 2017)**
 * **[Lower demand, cost constraints and uncertainty are hindering the return of fundraising events](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/06/17/lower-demand-cost-constraints-uncertainty-hindering-return-of-fundraising-events/)(
   17 June 2021)**
 * **[Mass fundraising events return to England](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/07/13/mass-fundraising-events-return-to-england/)(
   13 July 2021)**
