IRVINE women are being encouraged to sign up for this year’s Race for Life – and now men can join them too.

Cancer Research UK is introducing the new ‘Race for Life Family 5k’ – which is being piloted for the first time in Scotland – to take place alongside the traditional women-only 5k and 10k events.

Irvine has been chosen to host one of the new Race for Life Family 5ks, to help men, women and children unite to help beat cancer.

Organisers are urging people across the town to sign up for one of the events set to take place on Sunday, June 4, at Irvine Beach Park – so everyone can enjoy the same amazing atmosphere.

Angela Wilson, Irvine Race for Life Event Manager, said: “Signing up for Race for Life now is a great way to banish the winter blues by giving people an achievable target to aim for.

“People in Irvine have always shown such an incredible commitment to the cause, so we’re thrilled to be trialling the new Family 5k event in the town.

“For the first time, this will offer men the chance to experience Race for Life as participants.

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

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

Around 88 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland every day, so we need as many men and women as possible to pull on their trainers and seize the opportunity to help stop this devastating disease in its tracks.

“It’s not about being fit, fast or first over the finish line – it’s taking part that counts. There are hundreds of cancers and every penny raised takes us one step closer to curing them.”

More people are surviving cancer 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.

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the charity was able to spend over £33 million last year in Scotland on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.”

Angela Wilson added: “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 in Irvine can make a real difference in the fight against cancer. We urge men and women to sign up right now and show their support.”

Race for Life events are all non-competitive and participants can choose to walk, jog or run around the course to help beat over 200 types of cancer.

Money raised will help Cancer Research UK’s scientists find new ways to tackle the disease and save more lives.