Thousands take over Glasgow Green for Cancer Research UK's Race for Life

Men, women and children took part in the 3k, 5k and 10k Race for Life events,, fundraising for Cancer Research UK on May 22.

Among them was Freya Pennington, eight, from Giffnock, who was diagnosed with leukaemia during lockdown and was chosen to sound the horn to start Scotland’s biggest Race for Life.

The race also included 14 members of the Strathaven Superhoopers who power hooped their way through the entire 5k course.

Earlier, Dr Chiara Pirillo, a scientist based at the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute in Glasgow, sounded the start horn to set the Race for Life 10k participants on their way.

Freya Pennington, 8, with her sister Eliza, helped kick off the Race for Life today. Image by Mark Anderson.

The Strathaven Superhoopers, power hooped their way through the entire 5k course. Image by Robert Perry.

READ MORE: Brave girl, 8, fighting leukaemia kicks off Glasgow's race for cancer research 

She who also took part in the 5k event was supporting in honour of her dad, Giuseppe Pirillo, who is living with leukaemia and in memory of her aunt, Annamaria Pirillo, who died from breast cancer in 2016, aged 56.

The Glasgow race raised almost half a million pound in support of vital research.

The day was full of laughter. (Image by Robert Perry)

Image: Robert Perry

Image: Robert Perry

The event was full of emotions. (Image: Robert Perry)

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part. “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise.

“The atmosphere at Race for Life Glasgow was hugely moving - full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.”

READ MORE: Two Glasgow women take on different tasks to raise money for stroke charity

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Funds raised- whether it’s £10 or £100 will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives."

The Glasgow Race for Life raised almost half a million for cancer research,

Runners were raising funds for Cancer Research UK. (Image: Robert Perry)

Men, women and children of all ages took part in the race. (Image: Robert Perry)

Image: Robert Perry

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.     

Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns at Tesco, said: “This will be our 21st year in partnership with Cancer Research UK and Race for Life and we hope this year can be the biggest yet.”   

The Glasgow Race for Life is the biggest in Scotland.

Image: Robert Perry