ORGANISERS of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Falmouth and Penzance have announced new dates this autumn for the much-loved events.

The charity has postponed Race for Life events this spring and summer across the UK during the coronavirus outbreak.

That included the events in Falmouth and Penzance.

The Race for Life 5K at Falmouth’s Gyllyngvase Beach, which can no longer take place on Sunday, May 17, has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 4.

Penzance's event, due to take place on June 3, has been moved to the evening of Wednesday, October 14.

Participants who had already signed up can transfer their entry to the new October dates. Entries are also open for more people to join at raceforlife.org

Vicki Turner, Cancer Research UK event manager for Cornwall, said: “We’re sending a heartfelt message to everyone to seize the opportunity and come join us to Race for Life.

“As the coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, we are listening to the advice and guidance of the UK Government carefully.

“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 urgently 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.

“We hope men, women and children will unite against cancer and make Race for Life the best yet this October. Together we can beat cancer.

“Since it began, Race for Life has raised over £890million for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue throughout these unprecedented times.”

Cancer Research UK’s lifesaving work relies entirely on the public’s generous support.

The charity was able to spend more than £2million last year in the south west on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

Now many of the scientists and researchers funded by Cancer Research UK are currently being redeployed to help in the fight against Covid-19, including assisting with testing for the virus.

By helping to beat coronavirus, the charity said it could lessen the impact that this virus is having on the care of cancer patients.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to find new ways to tackle cancer.

Money raised through Race for Life helps to make long-term research and pioneering trials possible, leading to new tests and kinder treatments, which could save the lives of more men, women and children across the south west.

For more information, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.