Pictures From The 2013 Run For Life

June 30th 2013

The Louth Run For Life took place in scorching weather, as it often does. But that didn't deter over 1400 people from taking part, some of whom wore some pretty bizarre costumes. These included several superheroes, a hippy, lots of fairies, cave women, someone dressed as a wax crayon, a cowgirl (who won the best costume amongst the juniors), and a man riding an emu. Competitors were certainly going all-out to put the fun into this event. There was also a face-painting tent, something that I didn't realise until it was over, unfortunately.

In the men's event, Jamie Pratt came first with a time of 16 minutes and something. He was swiftly followed by Nick Marsh, who won the race in 2011, and then James Larder. It makes my time of 42:34 look positively leisurely. Which it was, let's be honest.

I don't know who won the women's race yet, but Janine Stones was certainly somewhere near the head of the pack.

For me, though, the Run For Life isn't just about who wins or how fast you can go. The atmosphere is fantastic, but it always tears me up a little bit when I read all of the things people have written on their backs. There were people running in memory of someone close, or several people, or in celebration of how long they or other people have been clear of cancer. You have to be there to appreciate how many people are touched by cancer, and just how strongly people feel about beating it.

A lot of people were using the event to raise money through sponsorship forms. However, if you missed it you can always donate directly through Cancer Research UK's website.