Fundraising runners from across Aberystwyth are set to unite against cancer by taking part in a special Race for Life weekend this September.

Organisers Cancer Research UK cancelled all 400 mass participation events in 2020 to protect the country’s health during the Covid-19 outbreak – and this included the Race for Life 5K on The Promenade, which had been due to take place on Sunday, 17 May.

The charity is expecting a £160 million drop in income in the year ahead with a £44m cut to life-saving research funding already in 2020.

To help tackle this devastating loss, women and men are vowing to raise funds by completing their own Race for Life 5K in their nearest green space on Saturday, 26 September.

They can take part outdoors either alone or in small, socially distanced groups - but all on the same day - to help people with cancer.

Supporters can visit raceforlife.org and sign up free for a ’Very 2020 Race for Life’.

Cassandra Miles, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Wales, said: “Covid-19 has made the fight against cancer even harder.

“With around 19,500 people diagnosed with the disease every year in Wales, we will never stop striving to create better treatments and to ensure people affected by cancer get the support we need. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need people to join us for a Very 2020 Race for Life.

“Vital cancer research has been delayed this year. Even though we have to Race for Life differently in 2020, nothing’s going to stop us running, walking and jogging to raise money and help beat cancer.

“Whatever the hurdle, we’ll keep going and we’d urge as many people as possible in Aberystwyth to join in on 26 September. People can set off from their home to complete 5k their way that day.

"Things haven’t gone to plan for any of us in 2020. This is going to be a very 2020 Race for Life but together we will still beat cancer.”

Participants in Aberystwyth last year raised over £17,000.

A live broadcast on the Cancer Research UK Race for Life Facebook page at 9.30am on 26 September will include an energiser from a fitness expert as well as inspirational messages of support from people who have been through cancer. Participants are then invited to set off on their own Race for Life.

Organisers are also inviting participants to share photos and videos on social media using the hashtag, #Very2020RaceForLife

Cassandra added: “Cancer is still happening right now and we won’t let 2020 stop us.

“Whether people are taking part in Race for Life this September in their local park or even in their back garden, they’ll be united by a determination to beat cancer together.

"At a time when we’re having to keep apart from each other, there is still a way to unite. We’re urging everyone who has got behind Race for Life in the past to please continue supporting us.”