We spoke to David (Sales and Kit Trainer), Simon (In-Store Expert, Brighton), Amelia (Kit Merchandiser), Emma (Partnerships Manager) and Millie (Head of Marketing), who've ran the Race for Life 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events.

We talked about what inspired them to sign up for the challenge, what’s fuelled their determination to train, and their race day highlights. 

Like many, I've had family members and close friends who've been affected by cancer, and I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Bowel Cancer last year.

Having lost relatives to cancer, I know the feeling of what it’s like for someone to go through such a life-changing experience. I wanted to use the opportunity to show that we as runners are a community, and that together we can unite to raise money for a fantastic cause.

In October 2021, I was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer stage 0/1. It changed my life in more ways than I could have realised. Luckily, funding for research over the last 20 years has provided my HER2+ cancer treatment. I’m running so other treatments can be brought to the market to help save patients whose cancer at present is incurable.

To make a difference and raise funds so fewer people will suffer at the hands of this horrendous illness. With my aunt and uncle being diagnosed, losing my grandparents, and my friends losing their parents, I’ve experienced first-hand the suffering that patients and their loved ones go through fighting cancer. 

I felt like it was time to do my bit, raise what I can and attempt to run for the first time in my life. I’ve also signed my children up to Pretty Muddy Kids in Cardiff so they can be in a position to think about other families who’ve lost loved ones, and so they can cherish every moment and realise how fortunate they are.

So many reasons. One reason is to help raise funds for an incredible charity, another is to run alongside team mates from Runners Need, and lastly, to motivate myself to get out there and train consistently!

I'm racing to raise awareness. There's too many inspirational people in my life to name here. But if I had to pick one, it would be my Mum who is the strongest and bravest person I know. Mum was diagnosed a week after retiring. She unfortunately passed away 2 years after her diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma.  

My nan, who passed away in 2020.

I’m ran for my Aunt Angela who passed away from Skin Cancer in the 1980s. A cancer that if she got today, she’d have most likely survived. Also, a family friend who, when she was very ill with a brain tumour, reached out to me as I started chemo. And finally, for my breast cancer babes who supported me when they were going through the same thing. We’ve got this, and we'll have the last laugh - not cancer!

Everyone fighting and their supporters.

My grandma sadly passed away from ovarian cancer, and I want to ensure we keep funding vital research to find a cure.

You get this amazing buzz from the atmosphere. Knowing that you’re surrounded by people who’re there for one purpose: to support those affected by cancer. It’s an amazing feeling.  

Their races are open to everyone, from elite runners to people who have finished Couch to 5K and want to challenge themselves. 

The community and awareness. As a cancer patient, it's been so important to connect with people that understand what you’re going through and have a support network. By raising awareness and funds, new care and treatment is being developed, making some terminal cancers curable.

The running community pulling together to make a difference. No one wants to be in the position of fighting cancer, but hopefully, funding research with Cancer Research UK will mean that fewer people must battle it in years to come.

I love the community spirit that Race for Life creates - even speaking about the events in the office, people are so excited to don their fun outfits and get active together to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK. I haven't seen any other event bring people together in such a powerful and inspiring way. I’m so happy we can play a small part here at Runners Need to sponsor the events and get our teams out running, walking, and moving in support.

For me, it would be honouring my nan. She was an amazing woman who did so much for me when I was growing up, and not being able to attend her funeral because of COVID restrictions at the time had an effect on me. I've always wanted to do something that was a significant part of her life - running and being active.

Getting totally covered in mud, running around with my team from work and proving to myself that I’m still able to do this while finishing treatment.

Passing the finish line and rewarding myself with a celebratory drink!

Getting out there alongside fellow Runners Need team members and running as a group. Knowing we’re cheering each other on and raising funds massively inspired me to continue my training runs!

We can’t thank David, Simon, Amelia, Emma and Millie enough for sharing their personal stories with us. If you’re feeling inspired to take on a challenge, there’s still time to take part in this year’s events. Learn how you can get involved and what races are still to come. 

And don't forget, for specialist advice on finding the perfect kit for race day, drop by your nearest Runners Need store. Our team can help you find what you need to conquer the course, whether you’re walking or running.