A CALL has gone out to people across Alloa to help save lives by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life – and gents can take part too for the first time.

The charity is introducing a new addition to its events calendar – Race for Life Family 5k – for men and women which is being piloted for the first time in Scotland.

Last year, around 37,612 people took part in Race for Life in Scotland and raised almost £2.5 million.

For 2017, organisers are appealing for even more people to stride out to beat cancer sooner with a women only 5k at Gannochy Sports Centre, University of Stirling on Saturday, May 14 at 11am.

And the family 5k – which for the first time will allow men to take part alongside women – is at the same venue on the same day, kicking off at noon.

On Tuesday, March 14 to inspire people to get involved, a team of volunteers and event managers ran a Race for Life roadshow in the car park of Tesco, Auld Brig Road, Alloa.

Fitness staff from Clackmannanshire Council Sports Development Department were on hand to chat to shoppers, giving tips on how to get more active in preparation for event.

Many people took information about the Race for Life in Stirling, and also Falkirk on Sunday, June 18, both days include the new Race for Life Families 5k.

Dorothy Rodger, local fundraising manager with Cancer Research UK, said: "We are delighted that the sports development department are working closely with Cancer Research UK this year to provide advice and support to anyone interested in taking up Race for Life, whether walking, jogging or running.

"Anyone who would like to find out more can contact members of the department at the council offices."

Katie Palmer of Cancer Research UK said: "Race for Life Stirling is Scotland’s first Race for Life event this spring.

"By supporting us you’ll be helping to raise funds for Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work. Everyone is welcome so we urge men and women in Alloa to join us today.

"Everybody is welcome to enter Race for Life, whether they’re taking part on their own or with family, friends or workmates.

"Whether participants walk, jog or run, it’s taking parting that counts. Race for Life is a huge amount of fun, but we’re not messing around – we’re beating cancer. There’s no greater motivation to sign up right now.

"For the first time, Race for Life Family 5K will offer men the chance to experience Race for Life as participants.

"Our much-loved traditional 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events will remain women-only – giving everyone the opportunity to support Cancer Research UK in the way they want to.

"Our aim is that one day everyone will beat cancer. The more research we fund, the sooner that day will come.

"By taking part in Race for Life and raising vital funds, people across Scotland can make a real difference in the fight against cancer. We urge men and women to sign up right now and show their support."

Every hour, around four people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland and the number of people being diagnosed with cancer has reached 31,900 a year.*

Now for the first time at a Race for Life event men, women and children of all ages and abilities will unite with one purpose – beating cancer sooner.

Scotland will host 10 new Race for Life Family 5ks this spring which men can participate in at locations including Stirling, Perth, Fife, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Irvine, Glasgow, Inverness, Dundee and Aberdeen.

All Race for Life events are non-competitive so participants can choose to walk, jog or run around the course to help fund life-saving research.

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

Survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. 

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises millions of pounds every year to help fund ground-breaking research.

Sign up for Race for Life at raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.