For the first time ever, men will be able to take in Cancer Research UK’s popular Race for Life event in Cumbria.

The charity hosts the event in Carlisle each year and up until now, has been a female-only fundraiser.

It is one of the most emotional - yet inspiring - events in the calendar and attracts thousands of entrants, with thousands also raised for charity. Many competitors don the name of a love one on their shirt they are competing in memory of.

Organisers have now opened up the event for men and are urging people of all ages to take part this year and raise vital funds for the charity.

As normal, the race will be held in the city’s Bitts Park on Sunday, July 14.

On the same day as the 5K and 10K races there is also the Pretty Muddy event, a 5K obstacle course.

Lauren Robertson, Cancer Research UK’s Carlisle event manager, said: “Our Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting.

“They help people with cancer by raising money for research, including clinical trials which give patients in Cumbria access to the latest treatments.

“You don’t have to be sporty to take part. You don’t need to train or compete against anyone else. All you need to do is go to the Race for Life website, pick an event, sign up and then have fun raising money in whatever way you like.”

With January often being the month where people sign themselves up to challenges, Cancer Research UK is offering an extra incentive for those who sign up this month. Using the code RFL30 people will receive 30 per cent off their entry fees.

Lauren added: “The Race for Life is a powerful, inspirational movement which unites participants in Carlisle with people across Cumbria and the whole of the UK.

“Taking part in our Race for Life events enables like-minded people to get together and remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those who have survived. At the same time, they are helping to make a difference to people with cancer, right now.

“Our Race for Life events have been women-only since they started, over 25 years ago. But we now feel the time is right to open them up so that everyone - women, men and children – has the chance to participate together.

“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer, at some point during their lifetime. Sadly, this means nearly everyone is touched by the disease, either directly or through a loved one or friend.

“To make a significant difference in the fight against cancer we need to harness as much energy and commitment as possible – so what better way than involving everyone in the community in our events.”

Lauren continued: “This January, we’re urging mums, dads, nans, grandpas, brothers, sisters, friends and workmates to show their support by joining the Race for Life.

“It’s a perfect example of everyday people doing an extraordinary thing – uniting in a common cause to beat cancer.”

*To enter the Carlisle Race for Life visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.