Exeter women urged to get pretty muddy

Exeter charity workers are urging women to fight dirty when it comes to conquering cancer - by signing up now for an exciting new event from Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. 

Ruth Chamings, 28, who manages Exeter Race for Life and volunteer Maxine Bateman, 28, (pictured) stood proud together, donned in mud war paint and battle headdress to beckon ladies of the city to join them.

Pretty Muddy is a women-only, non-competitive 5k obstacle course – with added mud.  It will take place for the first time in the city at Westpoint Exeter on Saturday, July 25.

It’s the perfect challenge for those looking to step it up and not let anything get in their way, especially not a big pink obstacle course.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life family of events also includes the Race for Life 5k and 10k courses, which thousands of women will take on at Westpoint the following day, Sunday, July 26 to raise money for life-saving research.

85 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West every day*. And that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on Exeter women to fight back against this devastating disease by choosing their challenge - 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy - and sign up now.

Ruth Chamings, Cancer Research UK’s Exeter Event Manager, said: “We’re so excited about launching Race for Life Pretty Muddy in Exeter. The event is taking place in the city for the first time and we’re calling on local ladies to sign up now. We’ve no doubt that they’ve got the fighting spirit to get down and dirty in the bid to beat cancer sooner.

“Pretty Muddy promises all the fun and camaraderie of our much loved 5k and 10k events – just with an extra serving of mud.

“Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being fit or fast. Women can complete the Pretty Muddy course at their own pace, climbing, jumping, walking and laughing their way around. It’s about an army of women coming together in the fight against cancer.

“If you’re looking for an opportunity to challenge yourself in 2015, this is the time to commit to Race for Life. With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that Exeter ladies are up for the challenge.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raises millions of pounds every year to help beat 200 different types of cancer.

Last year, 3787 women took part in Race for Life 5k and 10k in Exeter and raised a fantastic £200,193. This year, organisers need 6000 women and girls to stride out in the three events to help raise £294,000 for vital research.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the South West.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Ruth continued: “We’re calling on the brave ladies of Exeter to pull on their leggings and take on cancer at this year’s event.

“Race for Life is to celebrate those who are with us, and also remember those who are not. The atmosphere is electric, our participants are so inspiring and we’re calling on the women of Exeter to help make 2015 our best year yet.”

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.