Hundreds gathered for Race for Life at Lydiard Park on Sunday 3 May.
Families and fundraisers turned out in force for the annual 5K event in aid of Cancer Research UK, creating a sea of pink across the Swindon beauty spot, Lydiard Park.
While many took part in the main race, some of the most memorable scenes were found around the children’s mud course.
Among those tackling the obstacles, we followed eight-year-old Jacob Gilbert.
“I liked the mud the best, it was really fun, I didn’t even mind getting messy.
I wasn’t scared, I just ran straight through it as fast as I could.
It was the best race ever, and it’s nice because it helps people too.”
Not everyone was chasing a personal best. For many, particularly younger runners, the event was about taking part and contributing in their own way.
Race for Life was launched by Cancer Research UK in 1994 as a women-only 5K. The first event was held in Battersea Park in London and attracted a few thousand participants.
Since then, it has grown into one of the largest mass participation fundraising events in the UK.
Over the past three decades, millions of people have taken part in Race for Life events across towns and cities nationwide. The series has expanded beyond the original 5K to include 10K runs, Pretty Muddy obstacle courses and children’s events.
The format has also evolved to become more inclusive, opening up to people of all genders and ages, while retaining its focus on community fundraising.
Funds raised go towards research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, supporting thousands of scientists, doctors and nurses working on projects across the UK.
Across the park, participants walked, jogged and ran in memory of loved ones, with names pinned to shirts serving as quiet tributes along the route.
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