They got together for an impromptu aerobics session -- and even shoppers and workers on their lunch breaks joined in the fun.
Hundreds of passers-by got the chance to learn more about the Cancer Research UK event and how all the money raised is spent -- and many agreed to sign-up for the 5K event on June 6, which has already attracted 2,000 entries.
“When it comes to Race for Life, the women of Glasgow really are in a class of their own,” said Cancer Research UK’s event organiser Olivia MacLean.
“Last year 17,000 women took part and raised almost £1 million.
“We’re all hoping we’ll smash that record and make Glasgow’s event the biggest in the whole of the UK.”
The warm-up session saw Real Radio breakfast host Cat Harvey lead the way with help from The Scottish Rockettes.
“I wasn’t relishing the thought of standing beside the beautiful dance team in their skimpy hotpants, but it was fine,” joked Cat, who is running in her fifth Race for Life this year.
“I do the warm up on race day -- I get everyone doing ‘heads, shoulders, knees and toes’, which is a sight to behold -- and it’s fantastic fun.
“Race for Life is one of the most emotional days of the year but it’s not a sad day -- it’s very positive and uplifting.”
Cat’s mum has skin cancer and has had more than 70 lumps cut out.
“My mum is the reason I do Race for Life -- she has been through a lot over the last few years,” said Cat. “In fact, I get quite teary when I cross the finish line when I think of what she goes through. I always say ‘this is for you, mum’ have a wee greet, then get on with it.”
Cat runs with a microphone -- her excuse, she says, for “slow times, it weighs me down” -- to hear runners’ stories along the route, and she says she is amazed by the courage and determination displayed by women taking part.
“Everyone has a story to tell, everyone has a reason for doing it,” she says. “It is a fantastic day of high-spirited girl power and I’d encourage everyone who can to take part.
“You can walk at a snail’s pace or run it like a cheetah -- it doesn’t matter.”
Yesterday’s launch also gave Cancer Research UK scientists and medical staff based at the Beatson Institute the chance to speak to fundraisers about where the money goes. Professor Laura Machesky, senior research group leader at the Beatson Institute, said: “It’s really great from our point of view, because we get the chance to explain what the money is being spent on and why it’s so important.
“We can show how the funds raised by events like Race for Life help us find ways of helping cancer patients and, ultimately, find cures.
“And it’s great for the fundraisers, too. Normally when you give to charity, you make your donation and hope it does some good. Here, you can hear directly how it makes a difference, and I think that’s very special.”
Race for Life started in 1994 and money it has generated has supported Cancer Research UK’s work.
And since the annual event’s first year, the overall death rate for the disease has dropped by 15%.
Olivia McLean added: “Women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes take part take part in Race for Life.
“They motivate and inspire each other to complete the fantastic 5K course. Many simply walk round, chatting and having fun but they all share the wonderful atmosphere at the event.
“Every day, around 74 Scots are diagnosed with cancer but the good news is that more people are beating the disease than ever before.
“Cancer Research UK’s work is at the heart of that progress.
“By helping to raise money through Race for Life, our supporters are turning hope into reality.
“We are delighted to be returning to host this year’s Glasgow Race for Life with the support of Glasgow City Council and hope that June 6 is the biggest and best Race for Life yet!”
Cancer Research UK spent more than £18 million in Glasgow alone on research.
Enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.
It’s easy to set a Goal
Get into Glas-goals with this year’s Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life on June 6!
Our campaign aims to inspire you to get fit and stay healthy -- why not kick things off by training for this fun 5K?
You can walk or run it, and you’ll be raising money for a vital cause at the same time.
Find out more about Glas-goals at www.eveningtimes.co.uk -- and remember to tell us if you’re setting Glas-goals of your own this year, whether it’s losing weight, giving up smoking or alcohol, or exercising more.
E-mail glasgoals@heraldandtimes.co.uk
