Sunderland's Race for Life postponed as coronavirus outbreak continues

Sunderland’s annual Race for Life, due to take place in May, has been postponed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
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It is not yet known when the much-loved event, which features 5k and 10k races and is organised by Cancer Research UK, will be rescheduled for, but a decision will be announced as soon as possible.

Held at Herrington Country Park, Sunderland’s Race for Life attracts a huge number of runners each year, who participate to do their bit in supporting families affected by cancer.

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Cancer Research UK has postponed a number of events across the spring and summer to help protect the country’s health during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Race for Life was due to take place on Sunday, May 31.The Race for Life was due to take place on Sunday, May 31.
The Race for Life was due to take place on Sunday, May 31.

The UK is just beginning another three-week lockdown, as announced by the Government on Thursday, April 16.

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The regulations are expected to be reviewed again on Thursday, May 7 – just before the early May bank holiday weekend.

Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for North East, said: “As the coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, we are listening to the advice and guidance of the UK Government carefully.

It is not yet known when the Race for Life will take place instead.It is not yet known when the Race for Life will take place instead.
It is not yet known when the Race for Life will take place instead.
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“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 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 Sunderland this May.

“We will aim to deliver as many events as possible later in the year. We know this will be a huge disappointment to our supporters, but I’m sure they will understand.”

Participants who have already signed up for a Race for Life event will be contacted directly by the charity in due course to advise them of next steps.

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Since its launch, the Race for Life initiative has raised more than £890million towards Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

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