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Race for Life stories

Get inspired with these stories of determination and success from Cancer Research UK's Race for Life.

'I did the Cambridge Run (9th June) and it felt absolutely fantastic! It took me 25 minutes, so I was very pleased with that.'

'The funniest bit was the aerobic warm up at the beginning, 2,000 women all poking each other in the eye and treading on each other's toes trying to be co-ordinated! Ho ho! Well done to everyone involved, it was a fantastic event, very moving and invigorating at the same time.'
janechampagne

'Just got home after running in the Hampstead race (9th June) ... loved every minute of it, so emotional at the finish line, I almost made a fool of myself and burst into tears.'

'It's a wonderful experience and you'll never forget it. I got through it by reading the pink signs on people's backs and running 60 paces for each of the people affected by cancer. Before I knew it the race was over! Seeing all those pink, 'In Memory' cards made it all so worthwhile and spurred me on so much.'
hazeltaylor

'I ran the Glasgow race (9th June). My first race ever and am really pleased to have run it in 26 mins. I enjoyed it so much (despite the rain) that I feel like doing it all over again next week, but I don't think my sponsers would be too happy about that!'
julie_hutchison

'I did the Swindon run (9th June) in 25 minutes 28 seconds! I'm well proud of my time and the amount of sponsor money I raised. I'm also very proud of everyone else who has taken part in this: who cares if you walked or ran, the point was to raise the money.'
katherine70

'I ran the Glasgow Green race (9th June). What a feeling. This is the first time I have taken part in Race for Life but it won't be the last. Apart from the weather it was a great day. Feeling quite pleased with myself as it took me 30 minutes.'
Kirsti.p

'I ran the Race for Life in Bath (9th June). They were not joking when they said it was multi-terrain. Talk about cross country! LOL! Reminded me of my school days! Anyway, I did it in 34 minutes!'

'Thanks very much to the wonderful woman that palled up with me and spurred me on, holding my hand when I thought I couldn't do it any more! I did though and finished shortly after her and before my goal time! She was fab and if she's reading this - YOU'RE GREAT!'
loulousmith

'What a wonderful event RFL is. I've just finished 'running' the race in Bath (9th June) and I feel great. There was such a super atmosphere, everyone was enjoying themselves despite the rain and the marshals and the organisation was spot on. (I think the marshal who told us we were halfway round was being kind). Congratulations to all concerned.'
carlyann2001

'I had a brilliant time (Cleethorpes 9th June). I walked a bit - to the start line - then jogged a bit, and walked a bit etc. Everyone was great - and I did it in 40 mins - not bad going for someone who didn't train a lot! Next year though I hope I can do it in 30, I've definitely got the taste for it!'
erin49

'I did the Knowsley race (5th June) in 53 mins and 24 secs fast walking, it was absolutely throwing it down but I didn't care I feel great... got to collect my money now £178 can't count (thought it was £180 unti l checked with the calculator).'
hil_b

'I did the Guernsey run (26th May) in just under 35 minutes. I am so pleased having never run before until five weeks ago. I ran for eight minutes, walked for two and a bit extra running at the end. There were just over 1,000 people and the atmosphere was great despite the rain. The messages on people's backs are a real motivation to keep going. I intend to carry on running so I need to find myself another 5k run as I would like to run all the way next time.'
Nicolale

'Don't know why I felt so terrified about the whole experience, it all went so well. Over 5,000 women ran yesterday in Edinburgh (26th May), from all-runner to old ladies walking along the way with the help of their walking stick.'

'The atmosphere was just great, lots of people cheering along the way despite the rain, and I walked and jogged it in about 40 minutes. My legs are quite achy today, but I am so pleased I took part!'
pomme.bour

'I successfully jog-walked my race in Belfast (19th May) and thoroughly enjoyed it - despite the rain and wind! That was a bit of a shame, because it had been such nice weather here up until that very day. I ran with a friend who is a SLIGHTLY slower runner than me (not by a whole lot, it has to be said! ;-) So we came in at 47 minutes. Felt so virtuous afterwards! I now have 'the bug'!'
fiomac

'Wow! What a day. The atmosphere at the Bristol Race (19th May) for Life was amazing. There were 7,100 of us and it was fantastic. It seemed that every time I flagged a little bit, there was my boyfriend or a couple of friends or even just any old person at the side of the course, cheering us on.'

'Thanks to those who made me see I was being silly the other day worrying whether I'd make it or not. In the end I jogged the whole way (albeit a very slow jog at one point!) and came in at around 36 minutes.'

'I felt quite good most of the way round, despite having what I thought was the longest second km ever, but I'd just not seen the 3km sign! Seeing the 500m to go sign was wonderful and coming across the line made me feel like a marathon winner!'

'My Mum made it too, she did a jog/walk race and came in around 42 minutes so well done to her!'

'Anyone wondering whether to do it or not this year, just enter. It really doesn't matter at all if you jog, walk, sprint or waddle - no-one cares and it's the raising money that counts!'
katyw2002

'What a fabulous day and race. 7,100 women did the Bristol race (19th May), and my final time was 36 minutes! Am so pleased with myself as I knocked 3 minutes of my usual time. My medal is placed proudly round my neck. This was a fabulous event and I am so proud to have been part of it. I'm on such a high, I feel on top of the world!'
alisonshort

'The took part in the Maidstone RFL (11th May) and I actually finished it. It took me 47 mins which I know isn't a brilliant time, but I feel quite chuffed. Lots of people were walking so I didn't feel like the odd one out and I even managed to run for some of the way. I feel great now, tired and aching (that's the most exercise I've done since I left school) but I feel like I have achieved something.'
Angmumof3

'Hiya, I'm really buzzing today. After weeks of HATING my training I absolutely LOVED the race last night.'

'I finished the race in 33mins 17 and the atmosphere was great. 7,000 women ran at Battersea (May 8th) which was incredible but less seemed to have signs on their backs this year. I really wish I had enjoyed my training more now but it's just not the same running round the streets on your own. If I could run with 7,000 other women every day I'd be laughing. Keep on running.'
cl-kirstin2002

'I've done some other fun-runs and races before but this was my first RFL (Battersea, 8th May) - and it just leaves the others for dead. I think the fact that it is an all women race makes it a lot more fun and less competative than a mixed race.'

'It was really fun and the finish line seemed to come up so quickly. Once I'd finished and downed my bottle of free water I almost felt like doing the whole thing again, however I think my legs would have protested mightily!'
cl-ngaire2002

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