The study, which explores the motivation, lifestyle and wellbeing benefits of women taking part in the race, will help to identify how participating in such events can contribute to positive lifestyle changes.

Each year, over 500,000 women take part in Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK. These women-only events provide an inclusive opportunity to walk, jog, or run 5K at 300 locations around the country, while fundraising for a shared cause.

Mass participation events have been identified as having untapped public health potential. People taking part for charitable or social reasons may also benefit from the physical activity involvement.

Zoe McVinnie, PhD researcher in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, comments: “Women may take part in the Race for Life for many reasons: in memory or in support of someone close to them, as a challenge, or for social reasons. There are also potential health and wellbeing benefits, but these have not been studied. We are hoping for as many Race for Life participants as possible around the UK to help with the study”.

The study is open to any women aged 18 or over taking part in a Race for Life 5k or Pretty Muddy 5k event this summer. It involves completing an online questionnaire about motivation, lifestyle and wellbeing. This can be completed prior to, or around the time of, the event.

Please click here to take part.

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