Race for Life Cambridge: Our guide to the 2022 Cancer Research UK event, including route, road closures and things to remember
Thousands of runners will take on 5K and 10K challenges to raise money for Cancer Research UK as the Race for Life returns to Cambridge.
Look out for a sea of pink in the city as runners and walkers take part in the fundraiser.
Here’s our essential guide.
When and where is Race for Life 2022 in Cambridge?
It takes place on Sunday, July 3, starting at 11am in Jesus Green.
Participants should arrive 30 to 45 minutes before their start time so that they are prepared and ready to go on time.
The start and finish line is in the centre of the park. If using what3words, enter ///crops.fast.digs in the free app, to find the exact starting point. Visit https://www.what3words.com/crops.fast.digs?partner=RaceForLife.
Will there be road closures?
Yes, from 9am to around 2pm.
From 10.45-11.45am there will be no vehicle movement along the following roads: Park Parade, Thompson Lane, St John Road, Park Street, New Park Street, Portugal Street.
A spokesperson said: “To minimise disruption to your day, we encourage you to plan your journey in advance and if you need to leave this area it will be best to do so before 10.30am or after 11.45am.
“We will reopen these roads as quickly as possible and thank you for your support with this.”
Emergency services will have full access to these roads throughout the event.
Some car parks could be impacted by the closures, so participants and visitors are encouraged to use the Park & Ride sites to access the city.
What should I bring?
Most importantly, bring your own water bottle already filled as there will be no bottled water at the event, although a ScottishPower water refill stations will be available to use.
And encourage friends and family down to support you.
What is the route?
The Cambridge route is on a mix of Tarmac, grass and cobbles and is, naturally, largely flat.
It goes through the city centre, past the market square, through the grounds of King’s College, and, for those tackling the 10k, rather than the 5k, there is an additional loop up to Stourbridge Common along the River Cam and back before it returns to Jesus Green.
What facilities will there be?
There will be toilets, but no showers.
The route is pushchair-friendly, but not wheelchair-friendly.
Visitors can bring dogs.
Refreshments will be available, but there will be no bag drop.
How much will be raised?
Around 2,700 participants will take part this year and it is hoped they will raise about £210,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Michael Jarvis, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the East of England, said: “Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way, but together we’ll beat cancer.
“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life. So, we’re asking people across the region: Who will you race for? Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins.”
The run, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.
You can look back on the 2019 run here: 68 pictures from Race for Life Cambridge 2019.
Who will ring the starting bell this year?
The family of Tracey Ryan, of Cherry Hinton, will ring the starting bell in her memory following her death from cancer in May - almost 20 years after her first diagnosis.
Daughter Sophie said: “She did really well and I think her mindset made a big difference. No matter what information they were throwing at her, she said ‘I’m not being just a number’.
“She was so chirpy and never stopped being that person everyone relied on.”
The Race for Trace team have already raised more than £2,000.
You can read more about Tracey’s story here.
How do I enter?
Register at https://events.cancerresearchuk.org/registration/select/wave/N22L4AW01.
Children can enter for £10, with under-6s going for free, and no registration is required.. Adults pay £14.99. Those aged 16-17 can enter for £14.99 and take part on their own, but require the consent of their parent or legal guardian.
If you miss the deadline, then search for other Race for Life events at https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/find-an-event.
How do I get a discount on the 2023 Race for Life?
You will soon be able to sign up for next year’s race and get 30 per cent off by entering the code RFL23ISU on the Race for Life website.
Our coverage
Don’t miss our coverage online on Sunday - we’ll be posting a picture gallery.
And we’ll have special coverage inside the Cambridge Independent, out from Wednesday July 6.
