Spirits were high at Finsbury Park on Saturday 7th July, despite a rainy start, when thousands of women participated in Cancer Research UK’s Race For Life.

Members and staff from Sunstone Gym on Northwold Road joined women of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in the annual event. The Sunstone ladies ran, jogged and walked 5k or 10k to raise awareness and money for the charity. Shelly White, Club Manager, said: 'We are a health club and we look after the body physically, and we also try to do what can to fight this horrible, horrible disease that’s out there? It does hit everyone in some sort of way.'

The lead up to the race was plagued with heavy downpours, but the sun came out just as the first group of runners began their run at 10:30am. Over the next couple of hours, Finsbury Park turned into a sea of pink, as many of the women chose to wear brightly coloured costumes and outfits for the run. Janet, 45, has been a member of the gym for three years and ran the race for her sister who passed away recently from cancer - 'If we can make enough money for cancer research, one day they may do it, they may find a cure,' she said.

Race For Life events take place every year across the UK and the money raised goes towards cancer research and campaigns. Last year, 1,461 women took part in Race For Life in Finsbury Park and helped raise £114,015. This year, organisers estimated that there were close to 4,000 participants. Sally, who teaches classes at Sunstone Gym and ran for her Uncle Pip and close friend Mike said 'It’s a great way to raise money, to remember people who have died, to remember people who are still with us and being treated and also a great way for the gang to get together and push themselves a little bit. Anyone can do it!'. Another 'Race for Life'er, gym member Yvonne, 36, says she was encouraged during her run around the park by her fellow gym members. “I’m not a runner and I’m not a jogger, I don’t go on treadmills, so to do the race in 35 minutes is amazing! We spurred each other on!”

In addition to the nearly £1000 that Sunstone Gym has raised for the cause, they will also be running a promotion over the next two weeks where for every new member that joins, the gym will donate a further £20 to the charity. So if you were thinking about joining a gym, now would be a good time. Checkout www.sunstonewomen.com for more details.

Alexia Dellner
Freelance journalist