In Pictures: More than 2,500 brave the rain to help beat Cancer at Race for Life in Sutton Coldfield and Dudley

Dr Ruchi Gupta, a Cancer Research UK funded researcher who is working on a lollipop to beat mouth cancer, lead the charge in Sutton Coldfield which saw people of all ages and abilities line up in the pouring rain to run 5k or 10k, raising vital funds for life saving research.

Participants in Sutton and Dudley raised an incredible £270,000 for Cancer Research UK - vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer– to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

After sounding the starter horn and taking part in the 5k event, Dr Gupta said: “I’ve never done Race for Life before, but I really enjoyed it, despite the rain. I’d like to thank everyone who joined in because, without their support, a lot of research that’s taking place right now would not happen.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Participants were entertained on the courses by the Rock Choir who performed a selection of hits while people were also invited to share their favourite motivational track on social media to a Race for Life playlist called #PlaysForLife on Spotify.

Zak Quadri, an Apple specialist from Erdington, dressed up as Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean for the Sutton event. He was part of a five strong team raising more than £800.

“I loved it,” said Zak. “Everyone was running for the same reason which was lovely to be a part of,” I was running in a team of five for my auntie and my granddad and because the only thing that cheats, apart from this pirate, is cancer and we need to beat it.”

Now organisers are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters. And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.

Paula Young, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the West Midlands, who attended the Sutton Park event, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life this weekend.

“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime* but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.

“Despite some torrential rain, we held two fantastic events that were, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope. It was an honour to meet many survivors taking part as well as all those remembering loved ones lost to the disease.

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference.” ***

There are just days left to sign up for the 5k ‘Pretty Muddy’ obstacle course in Cofton Park, Birmingham on Saturday (July 12) and Worcester Race for Life on Saturday, July 19, marking the final Race for Life events of the season in the West Midlands.

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.

Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity were a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide. Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone - a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.

Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.

“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”

To enter, visit raceforlife.org

Photo credit: Cancer Research UK