THE countdown is on for the return of Race for Life in Southampton.

People across the city are being urged to enter the popular charity event which is run by Cancer Research UK.

The events are returning to the City with socially distanced measures to raise funds to help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, saving lives as the charity fights back from the impact of the pandemic.

Now, with less than two weeks to go, organisers are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to join the 3K, 5K, 10K & Pretty Muddy events which take place at The Common on September 18.

In an effort to get more people involved as well, anyone who signs up for Race for Life between now and September 12 can get 50 per cent off the entry fee.

The discount code RFLAUG50 can be applied when entering any Race for Life, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids event.

Sam Morris, Race for Life spokesperson in Southampton, said: “This year more than ever we need people to enter the Race for Life.

“We’re making a final call to the people of Southampton to sign up today, as their participation and contribution is so important. Race for Life offers the perfect opportunity to run, walk or jog and raise money for life-saving research.

“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, we need people to enter the Race for Life - for the people we love, for the people we’ve lost and for the one in two of us* who will get cancer.”

Race for Life, which has been in partnership with Tesco for 20 years, raises millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer.

This year, participants will set off on the Race for Life course either alone or in small, socially distanced groups and hand sanitiser will also be provided with participants encouraged to use it before and after the event.