Cancer we’re coming to get you!
That was the message shouted by thousands of runners, joggers and walkers who descended on Leeds Road Playing Fields today for the Huddersfield Race For Life.
And the sea of pink was apparent even before you reached the starting line as many of those taking part queued along the roadside before flooding the fields to get started.
More than 2,000 entrants were put through their paces in two races, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Both races followed the same 5km course and began with a high energy warm up.
The event, organised for Cancer Research UK, last year raised a staggering £188,000 and organisers hope this year to smash that target.
Organiser Phillipa Sharpe told the assembled crowds: “This event is even more special for me because I am from Huddersfield and I know that Huddersfield always gives a fantastic effort.
“Every year 1,000 women are told ‘you have cancer’ and sadly less than half of those will not survive.
“Last year Huddersfield raised £188,000 which is a massive amount. This money will go towards vital research for cancer treatments.”
Phillipa urged entrants to top up their fundraising targets each by £10 to add even more funds to the Huddersfield total.
Lining up to take on the event were a group of 20 women from Timestep School of Dance in Norristhorpe, Liversedge.
Maureen Hulme, 74, said: “I wanted to do the event to give something back because I had bowel cancer and have since recovered. It’s a fantastic event and such a good cause.”
Also taking part was Joanna Fulton, 53, of Holmfirth, who was encouraged to take part by her friend Liz Wallington, 48, of Penistone.
Joanna said: “I’ve never done Race For Life before and Liz has, and so she has been coaching me.
“We’ve done a few training jogs to prepare. It’s a great atmosphere.”
Entrant Lisa Mason, 29, of Clayton West, also took part as part of a team from Elland CofE School.
She said: “I do the race every year. There are five of us teachers doing it together. It’s a great event.”
Another team were from Walker and Sutcliffe Accountants in Huddersfield.
Team Leader Rachel Reilly, 22, said: “I just knew it would be a good event and we’ve done a bit of training so it’s all good fun.”
And there were no excuses for taking it easy for Danielle Ramsden, 27, who despite being 32 weeks pregnant, was determined to join in.
Danielle’s grandma Mary Knowles, 70, who was there to watch, said: “We are here in memory of my sister Jean Lloyd who passed away from liver cancer in 2012.
“We’ve got four generations here. It’s emotional but a great atmosphere.”
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