The ‘STRIDE: Active Fundraising’ study aims to explore ways to help women prepare to jog or run a Race for Life 5K event. It will also examine whether taking part in Race for Life can have positive effects on lifestyle and wellbeing in the months following the event.

Participants will be given the opportunity to follow an 8-week training programme to help build confidence, and progress from walking to running the 5km race. They can choose between attending weekly sessions as part of a group in the local area, or follow a training plan in their own time.

They will also be invited to the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine at the University for three measurement visits: pre-training, post-event and three months after the event. Participants will gain access to valuable health data and support following the race.

Mass participation charity events have been identified as having untapped potential for public health by encouraging physical activity through charitable and social motives. 

Zoe McVinnie, PhD researcher in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, commented: “Charitable motives are often the strongest reasons for taking part in Race for Life, yet many also see the event as a physical challenge. We want to understand whether a supported race preparation to jog or run the event can have longer term positive effects on lifestyle and wellbeing.”

The study is open to women aged 18 or over planning to take part in a Race for Life 5K event in the East Midlands region in 2017. 

To register your interest online, click here. You can also follow STRIDE on Twitter and Facebook for updates.