Runners in remission from cancer given free entry to New Forest Marathon

RUNNERS in remission from cancer are being offered free New Forest Marathon places after a study showed exercise can cut deaths from the disease by a third after treatment.

They will be given free entry to the event on 14th September as part of their recovery plan following a groundbreaking study which revealed the huge boost exercise can give a person’s chances of beating cancer.

It also showed that working out regularly can help stop tumours returning and prevent new cancers from developing.

Launched by UK charity Run 4 Cancer in partnership with the Garmin New Forest Marathon, this new initiative is aimed at helping cancer sufferers recover post-diagnosis.

They can enter all the events, from 5k to a full marathon.

Andy Hayward, founder of Run 4 Cancer, said: “For some time now specialist cancer doctors have been extolling the benefits of exercise.

“Exercise can play a vital role in cancer recovery by improving mood and mental well-being, whilst helping to manage fatigue and other treatment side effects.

“This new piece of global research led by Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada, unequivocally proves for the first time that exercise can have a dramatic effect on cancer survival rates.”

The study focused on colon cancer, but data from this study suggested there were lower breast and prostate cancer occurrences in the exercise group too.

People up to five years post diagnosis are invited to apply for a place in the marathon but are urged to speak to their doctor before doing so.

Andy said: “People should only start training for one of the New Forest events if they have obtained medical sign-off.“

Andy Daish, event director at New Forest Marathon, added: “Given the New Forest’s immeasurable beauty, this is perhaps the perfect event for people to focus on as part of a structured exercise and recovery plan.

“Constantly ranked in the top five running events in the UK, we’re expecting 5,000 runners to take part this September, with another 10,000 people attending as spectators and wider supporters.

“As the largest event anywhere in the UK on Crown land, this is a unique opportunity for people to take part in one of Europe’s most spectacular running events.”

For more information visit www.run4cancer.org/new-forest-marathon