WITH less than two weeks to go until the Race for Life, Cancer Research is encouraging people across the area to sign up and enter.

The charity's much-loved event is returning to the town for the first time since the pandemic on September 11 at Baiter Park, Poole, but with social distancing measures in place to keep participants safe.

Any money raised will help scientists find new waste to prevent, diagnose and treat various types of cancers.

Sam Morris, Race for Life spokesperson in Poole, said: “We’re making a final call to the people of Poole to sign up today, as their participation and contribution is so important.

“Race for Life offers the perfect opportunity to run, walk or jog and raise money for life-saving research.”

Organisers are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to join with the 3k, 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which will be taking place on Saturday, September 11, in Poole.

Last year all 400 Race for Life events were cancelled as a result of the pandemic and to make up Cancer Research is looking for as many people as possible to enter.

Sam Morris added: “This year, more than ever, we need people to enter the Race for Life - for the people we love, for the people we’ve lost and for the one in two of us who will get cancer.”

To get the event safe and ensure people are comfortable several social-distancing measures will be in place.

“We’ll ask participants to respect social distance before, during and after the event,” Sam Morris added.

“But we promise our events will remain colourful, emotional and uplifting. The safety of our Race for Life participants is our absolute priority. We’ve been constantly monitoring the Covid-19 situation and have developed ways to ensure our events can operate safely, following government guidance.

“Sadly, cancer touches almost every family at some point. Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters. That’s why we need as many people as possible across Poole to join us, to stand united and do something extraordinary.”

People can visit raceforlife.org to enter the race online.