GRAB your running shoes because one of the country’s biggest fundraising events is coming to Southampton this weekend.
Race for Life arrives in the city on Saturday, July 23 and will see hundreds of people race to fund life-saving research.
The Cancer Research UK fundraiser sees people run either 3k, 5k or 10k to raise money, or take part in the charity’s slightly messier obstacle course aptly named Pretty Muddy.
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All races are taking part at Southampton Common.
If you are toying with the idea of taking part or want further information about the jam-packed day, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s what you need to know about Race for Life in Southampton 2022
What races can I take part in?
- Southampton 10k
Date: Saturday, July 23
Time: 10am
Cost: Adult £14.99, Children £10.00, Young Adults £14.99, and under six go free and no registration needed
The 10k route starts on the main area of The Common, opposite the playground.
It follows the tree lined paths of the Common, follows Cemetery Road and returns to the the Common to finish
- Southampton 3k
Date: Saturday, July 23
Time: 11am
Cost: Children £10.00, Adults £14.99, Young Adults £14.99 and Under six go free and no registration needed
The 3k route starts on the main area of the Common, opposite the playground.
It follows the tree lined paths of The Common, follows Cemetery Road and returns to the the Common to finish.
The 3k route is mostly the same as the 5k, with a diversion on route to shorten the distance
- Southampton 5k
Date: Saturday, July 23
Time: 11am
Cost: Children £10.00, Adults £14.99, Young Adult £14.99 and under six go free and no registration needed
The 5k route starts on the main area of the Common, opposite the playground.
It follows the tree lined paths of The Common, follows Cemetery Road and returns to the the Common to finish.
For the above three races, please arrive 30 to 45mins before your start time.
- Southampton Pretty Muddy Kids
Date: Saturday, July 23
Time: from 12pm
Cost: Children £10.00, Supervising Adult £0.00
Meet opposite the playground.
- Southampton Pretty Muddy 5k
Date: Saturday, July 23
Time: from 1pm
Cost: Adults £19.99, Young Adults £19.99, Children £10.00.
Due to the nature of this event, you must be 13 or over to take part
This route starts on the main area of the Common, opposite the playground and takes you along the tree-lined paths of the Common.
The surface is flat and on tarmac throughout so you can enjoy the fantastic obstacles without worrying about any hills.
Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your start time for the Pretty Muddy races so that you are prepared and ready to go on time.
- Do I need to register at the event on the day?
No. If you already have a race number, you do not need to register at the event.
- Can I take part on the day?
Yes – people can turn up on the day and decide to take part.
The registration tent will give you a number and everything you need to know for the event.
- Will water be provided at the event?
Event manager Georgina Horne said: “This year Race for Life is working hard to be more sustainable so won’t be giving out plastic bottles.
“We advise people to bring their own bottles and there will be water refill stations on site.
“These can be found near the start/finish zone and for those taking part in the 10k only. There will be a refill point at 5k.”
- What facilities will there be?
There will be toilets on site as well as caterers, ice cream, souvenir flower sellers, Scottish Power and Nivea Sun Safety.
- Can I park at the event?
Parking is restricted in the area so the charity advises that people consider using public transport or use town centre car parks and walk over to the Common.
- Anything else?
- People are encouraged to take photos and #raceforlife telling us why and who they’re racing for.
- There is a reflection board where people can stick their back signs and show others who they’re running for and on the other side of this board, there is a backdrop to take photos.
- For the first time, the 10k race will be chip timed so could see some runners really challenging themselves in that event.
- Georgina added: “We are always looking for volunteers to help at the event and join in the fun.
"You can either sign up in advance or turn up on the day and head to the tent where you will be given a high vis jacket and a job to help the day tick over smoothly.”
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