On the day
What happens at Race for Life?
First timers and returning Race for Lifers, listen in! Here’s what to expect on the day and what you need to bring along with you.
Check your event page and emails to keep track of your latest event facilities, activities and transport information.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get up-to-date news and tips about your Race for Life.
On the day checklist
Remember your info
Remember your back sign and Race number – and don’t forget safety pins so you can attach your sign and number to you.
Have the right kit
It’s a good idea to check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly. Think breathable sports gear (leggings and shorts are ideal) and well-fitting trainers. For Pretty Muddy, wear something you don’t mind getting dirty.
Check out the latest range of Race for Life clothing and accessories
Check out the latest range of Race for Life clothing and accessories
Bring a bottle
We’re really trying to reduce our single-use plastic consumption at Race for Life. Please bring your own reusable water bottle, already filled. We'll provide an ecofriendly water-refill station at the finish line that uses as little single-use plastic as possible.
Get ready to cheer
Your hearty encouragements really lift the spirits.
Be prepared for the sunny weather!
Our Race for Life weekends can get very hot. And while the sunshine can add to the fun (hello, picnic!) it’s important to be ready to keep yourself cool:
☀️ Bring a filled reusable water bottle and drink as much as you need at the event. We're trying to be more sustainable, so we no longer provide bottled water. Look out for water refill stations at the finish line instead.
☀️ Stay sun smart and dress for the weather, wearing a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses. On parts you can’t cover, use sunscreen with at least SPF30 and a 4 or 5 star rating.
☀️ Go at your own pace
☀️ Keep in the shade where possible
☀️ Do not take part in the event if you're feeling unwell or have been unwell recently. If you start to feel unwell at the event, please seek help from event medics immediately.
On the day logistics
- If you’re joining the 3k, 5k or 10k Race for Life, aim to arrive 30-55 minutes before your event. Getting Pretty Muddy? You can arrive 15-20 minutes before your start time.
- Get settled in – if you’ve forgotten your number, you can get a new one from the enquiries tent.
- Shake off pre-Race nerves and get moving with fellow Race for Lifers at our group warm up.
- Ready, set, Race!
- Stick around for a picnic or grab a bite from a food stall. Fundraising is hungry work!
Changing facilities
If you’re getting Pretty Muddy®, remember to bring spare clothes and a towel. Check on your event page to see what facilities there are at your event venue.
Unfortunately, there are no lockers, changing facilities or showers at the Race for Life events, so please bear this in mind and ask friends to look after your valuable belongings, clean clothes and towels.
Can I take part with my dog?
Your dog can join the fun at some of our events – you can check this under ‘Facilities’ on your event page.
However, please be responsible when bringing your dog to a Race for Life event, and make sure you bring water to keep your pet hydrated.
Ask your friends to volunteer
Our amazing volunteers are the heart and soul of our events.
We're always on the lookout for folks to help out on the day. If you know any lovely people joining you on the day who can offer a spare pair of hands, why not suggest they volunteer? It’s also a chance to support life-saving cancer research and have fun while you’re at it.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, just enjoy the event build up and listen for instructions from the stage. No need to come to the enquiries tent.
Don't worry - visit our enquiries tent on the day for a new one. Remember to leave extra time for this in case of queues.
For Pretty Muddy events, the most popular place is the Mud Slide, which is usually positioned within 500m of the finish line.
For 3k, 5k and 10k events, visit the enquiries tent and they may be able to direct you if the course is accessible. Otherwise, the finish line is always good.
At some Pretty Muddy® events there is a bag drop but please do check your event details before the day for the most accurate information.
Listen out for announcements from the stage on the day. And give yourself a huge hand – you and your fellow participants are amazing.
There are toilets in the start and finish area but not on the course.
There are water refill stations at the finish line at all our events and 10k events have water refill stations at the halfway point as well. It's a great idea to bring your water bottle already filled on event day to keep you hydrated. If you use one of our disposable cups on the day, remember that they’re fully recyclable!
Unless an event is at capacity, you can usually enter on the day. It’s quickest to use your smartphone; if you don’t have one, we can still enter you on the day over at the enquiries tent but can only take cash payments.
Welcome, wheelchair users! We really try to make as many of our Race for Life events accessible to as many people as possible and we’re so happy you want to take part.
We know that the suitability of our courses can depend on the skill, experience and confidence of the wheelchair user and their assistant (if needed): no one knows better than you what you’re capable of.
If you’re a wheelchair user wanting to take part in an event, please check the accessibility section of the individual Race for Life event page. The Event Managers complete risk assessments to determine how accessible each course is, which could help you decide whether that event is for you.
- British Sign Language interpreters at some events
- Disabled toilets onsite
- ‘I need more help’ badges are available if you need more support
- Our event staff are Dementia Friends
- If you need any more support, just speak to our staff or volunteers. They’ll be more than happy to help!
Together with our green energy partner Scottish Power, we’re always looking for ways to make our Race more ecofriendly. That’s why we provide a water refill station so you can bring your own bottle to minimise plastic waste. But don’t worry if you forget yours – the cups we have on hand are fully recyclable.
