“I want people to cross the finish line with a big smile. I like to do the stage warm up and then run to the finish line. I’ll jump up and down, wave, and cheer. I get a lot of people coming up and saying thank you. It can be hard for people to get through. You hear people telling their stories, and you feel like you’re helping to combat it.” -Jon, Race for Life and Pretty Muddy Volunteer
Overview
Through research we are beating cancer. Step by step. Day by day. But beating cancer is a team effort and our research isn’t possible without you.
In every corner of the UK, 400,000 participants are limbering up to join the fight against cancer. Last year our Race for Life events raised an incredible £26 million which will help fund life-changing research. When you join us on event day, you play a pivotal role in helping us find ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Whether you want to help at a Race for Life or Pretty Muddy event, we’ve got more than 400 across the UK to choose from.
Bring your energy, smiles and passion and let’s beat cancer together.
You can make a big difference in just a few hours.

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our events across the UK. Whether you’re going solo, bringing a friend or part of a larger group, your support means our events can run smoothly and raise money to fund lifesaving research. We’re looking for people who are:

• Engaging, friendly and keen to make sure everyone has a brilliant day.
• Willing to get stuck in and help.
• Good communicators.
• Flexible and can use their own initiative.
• Team players – you’ll be joining a lovely bunch of other volunteers!

At Cancer Research UK we know that a diverse volunteer community will help us to beat cancer. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We will happily consider making any reasonable adjustments to support volunteer applications from people with a disability or health condition. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned veteran, we’d love for you to join us!
Before the event
The Event Manager will be in touch 4 weeks before the event with the final event details including timings, what to expect, what to bring and to answer any questions you might have.
On the day
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You’ll meet other inspiring volunteers and be briefed by our events team staff about the day ahead.
What you’ll be doing

Before the event, you can give us your preference for what you’d like to do on the day. We will endeavour to accommodate this, but it will depend on volunteer attendance. Below are the different roles we have on offer (please specify this in the free text section of the application form labelled ‘Experience’). No matter what you do you’ll know you are making a huge difference to those taking part in our amazing events.

• Event Site Volunteer - Setting up and packing down the event (this may include helping to set up the course and marshal stations, putting up marquees and flags getting water to the finish line and clearing up after the event has finished).
• Course Marshal & Obstacle Marshal - You could be located at one of our Course Marshal points, cheering and encouraging our participants and helping them to navigate their way around the course. At our Pretty Muddy events, as an Obstacle Marshal you get the opportunity to guide participants as they climb, crawl and slide their way around the Obstacles and help them get as muddy as possible!
• Enquiries & Admin Volunteer - You’ll help answer queries from participants and spectators during the event. This could include anything from simple directions to processing on-the-day entries, replacing numbers, and of course being a friendly and welcoming face to our participants.
• Cycle Volunteer - You will guide, support and motivate participants by cycling parts of the route. This role requires your own bike suitable to the terrain of the course.

The benefits you can expect

When you volunteer at a Race for Life or Pretty Muddy event, you make a difference. Get outside, have fun, meet fantastic people, build your confidence, and help beat cancer. Volunteering with us has a host of other benefits, including:

• Developing new and existing skills in event management.
• Playing your part in contributing to a good cause.
• Helping to support your community.
• Gaining valuable experience for future roles.
• Gaining a unique insight into the world of the charity sector.
• Meeting new people and having fun!

Your commitment and location

• Event season runs from May to July, all over the UK.
• You can join us at one or more of our events at locations that work for you.
• Most events take place at weekends, although we do have some weekday evening events in selected locations.
• You can commit to a time that suits you, anything from a few hours to a full day! For example, a Race for Life event may run from 9:30am-1:30pm but one of our Bumper Days may run from 8:30am-4:30pm. You could commit to a half day, a full day or a shift of a few hours, like an early set up option from 6 – 9am - whichever suits you!
• You can view our calendar of events here to find your closest event.

The support we provide
You will be briefed by one of our event team staff when you arrive so that you know exactly what you’ll be doing. You’ll then be supported and guided by them throughout the event, as well as the Event Manager.
We’ll also provide light refreshments and a great atmosphere which you’ll be sure to love!
Accessibility
Our volunteering roles are open to everyone. If you have any accessibility needs or queries, please get in touch via email – volunteering@cancer.org.uk
How to sign up
Just click on the Apply Now link at the top of the page, fill out the form and we’ll be in touch!
If you have any questions about becoming a Race for Life Volunteer, please email volunteering@cancer.org.u

• Event Site Volunteer - Setting up and packing down the event (this may include helping to set up the course and marshal stations, putting up marquees and flags getting water to the finish line and clearing up after the event has finished).
• Course Marshal & Obstacle Marshal - You could be located at one of our Course Marshal points, cheering and encouraging our participants and helping them to navigate their way around the course. At our Pretty Muddy events, as an Obstacle Marshal you get the opportunity to guide participants as they climb, crawl and slide their way around the Obstacles and help them get as muddy as possible!
• Enquiries & Admin Volunteer - You’ll help answer queries from participants and spectators during the event. This could include anything from simple directions to processing on-the-day entries, replacing numbers, and of course being a friendly and welcoming face to our participants.
• Cycle Volunteer - You will guide, support and motivate participants by cycling parts of the route. This role requires your own bike suitable to the terrain of the course