Residents across Leicestershire and Rutland are being called to action, with entries now open for Cancer Research UK's iconic Race for Life series for 2026. The charity's beloved fundraising events will unfold across the UK from May to July, uniting communities in the fight against cancer.
Star-Studded Support and a January Discount
Adding a local voice to the campaign, Leanne Quigley, known from the TV series The Traitors, is urging people to kickstart their New Year by committing to the cause. She and her fiancée, Sophie Jones, have first-hand experience of cancer's impact, having taken part last year after Sophie's breast cancer diagnosis. To encourage early sign-ups, anyone who registers throughout January can claim 30% off the entry fee by using the promotional code RFL26NY. This special New Year sale is valid until Saturday, 31st January 2026.
The need for funding remains critical. Every year, approximately 29,400 people in the East Midlands region receive a cancer diagnosis. Money raised through Race for Life directly enables scientists to pioneer new methods for preventing, detecting, and treating the disease, striving for a future where lives are longer and free from the fear of cancer.
Local Events and a Personal Story of Hope
In Leicestershire and Rutland, seven separate Race for Life events are scheduled for May and July. The series launches on Saturday, 16th May at Braunstone Park in Leicester with the Pretty Muddy 5k, a mud-splattered obstacle course. Rutland Showground will then host Pretty Muddy events for both children and adults on Saturday, 20th June. The finale will be at Victoria Park in Leicester on Sunday, 12th July, featuring 3k, 5k, and chip-timed 10k events for those seeking a personal best.
The campaign is powerfully embodied by Leanne Quigley, 30, and her partner Sophie Jones, 33. Sophie was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer in July 2024. After undergoing five rounds of chemotherapy and two weeks of radiotherapy, she is now in remission. Last summer, the couple led a team that raised over £1,200 by completing a Pretty Muddy event, a poignant milestone marking the end of Sophie's treatment.
"I'm all in against cancer," said Leanne. "It was incredibly hard watching Sophie, the person I love, go through cancer and it put life into perspective... Crossing the finish line at Race for Life with these people was unforgettable." She added that they are supporting the event to help others currently facing cancer.
A Community Call to Action
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson for Leicestershire, emphasised the inclusive nature of the events. "It's time for Leicester to go all in against cancer," she stated. "Whether you're a five-a-side crew, book club, or fancy doing something fun with friends - we want everyone. Race for Life is non-competitive. People can walk, jog or run."
The impact of such fundraising is profound. Cancer Research UK's work was key in developing Herceptin, a drug Sophie received, and establishing it as a gold-standard treatment. Since Race for Life began in 1994, over 10 million participants have helped fund 30 years of progress. In the last 50 years, the charity's research has contributed to nearly doubling breast cancer survival rates in the UK.
To enter any of the Leicestershire and Rutland events and claim the January discount, visit raceforlife.org.
