A SOCIALLY distanced Race for Life is set to take place in Stirling in May.

Participants for the Cancer Research UK fundraiser are being encouraged to look beyond lockdown and make a date for the event at the Gannochy Sports Centre.

Entries are open now for the 5K and 10K routes with people of all ages and abilities welcome to take part in the event which will be the first Race for Life to be staged in Scotland this year.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Scotland, said: "All 400 mass-participation Race for Life events across the UK were cancelled last year to protect the country's health during the COVID-19 pandemic. So this year, more than ever, we need people to come together and help beat the disease.

"The truth is, COVID-19 has slowed us down. But we will never stop and we are absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow.

"Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters.

"Our Race for Life events are open to all and we're sending a heart-felt message to everyone to come together in 2021. As always at our events, the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers is our top priority. It may be that events look a little different this year but we are working proactively with our venues and suppliers to deliver a socially distanced but great experience."

Participants will set off on the course either alone or in small socially distanced groups and hand sanitiser will be provided.

Lisa stressed that the event, planned for May 16, is not competitive despite its title.

"Instead, 'the Race for Life' is about our doctors, nurses and scientists working as hard and fast as possible to help more people survive," she added. "We'll ask participants to respect social distancing before, during and after the event.

"Participants, all united in a common cause to beat cancer, take part at their own pace. For some people, the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it's a jog or a run. But what is for certain is we're looking forward to welcoming people across Stirlingshire back."

Anyone who signs up in January can claim a special 30 per cent off the entry fee by using the code JAN2021. More details can be found at raceforlife.org.