Get Pretty Muddy for Cancer Research UK

Want to get Pretty Muddy for Cancer Research UK? Here’s all you need to know

Summer marks the return of Race for Life’s Pretty Muddy – and we couldn’t be more excited. The obstacle course offers participants the chance to join the pink army and raise money for charity, all the while having a pretty fun – and messy! – day out, too. Pick from two distances (5K or 10K) and walk, jog or run your way around the course for yourself, a loved one or a friend.

While Cancer Research UK offers a number of Race for Life events, Pretty Muddy has to be one of our faves. Head down mud slides, conquer the A-frame, slide under nets, clamber over hurdles, negotiate tyres, crawl through tunnels, navigate the spider’s web – and try to avoid the mud pit! Events aren’t competitive, so there’s no pressure to finish in a certain time. And as you climb, crawl and charge through the course, you’ll be carried with the knowledge that you’re doing your bit to beat cancer sooner.

While cancer survival statistics have never been more optimistic (half of people diagnosed with cancer in England and Wales now survive the disease for 10 years or more), in the UK someone is still diagnosed with cancer every two minutes. Whether you or someone close to you has been affected by the disease, there’s no doubt we’d all like to give cancer the middle finger once and for all. Carrying out unprecedented research and offering vital support for those suffering, Cancer Research UK is on a mission to beat cancer sooner.

But it can’t be done without your help. Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its research, which is why Race For Life events like Pretty Muddy are so worthwhile. The money raised at Race for Life funds Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer affecting men, women and children. It’s the charity’s ambition to accelerate progress so that by 2034, three in four people will survive cancer for at least 10 years.

‘Over the past 22 years, more than eight million women have taken part in Race for Life and raised over £790m,’ says Simon Ledsham, director of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. ‘Funding vital research and trials, this money has enabled Cancer Research UK to be at the heart of progress that has seen survival in the UK double in the past 40 years. It truly demonstrates the impact every person can have in helping us fund lifesaving research.’

‘We’re urging women across the UK to make 2017 the year they sign up to be part of Race for Life and help us to continue our pioneering work. You can walk, jog or run the route on your own or with a group and we will support you every step of the way. Whether you raise £10 or £100, every pound is beating cancer.’

So what are you waiting for? The charity is even offering Pretty Muddy Kids events this year, so there really is no excuse for the whole family not to get messy! Once you’ve signed up, set up an online fundraising page, get sponsorship and get fundraising! In need of a helping hand? The Pretty Muddy training plan from RunningWithUs will get you running ready in time for the big day. See you at the start line!

Head here to sign up and for more information.