Leanne Quigley leads charge for Race for Life 2026 in Cardiff

People across Cardiff are being urged to “go all in” against cancer as Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life returns to Bute Park in May 2026, with a New Year sign-up discount available throughout January. 

The charity’s popular 3k, 5k and 10k races, alongside Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events, will take place on 2 and 3 May, bringing thousands together to raise funds for life-saving cancer research. Anyone who registers during January can receive 30% off the entry fee.

Backing the event is The Traitors star Leanne Quigley, from Holywell, who is encouraging people to kick-start the year by getting involved. Leanne previously took part in Race for Life with her fiancee, Sophie Jones, after Sophie was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2024. 

The couple led a team in a Pretty Muddy event last summer, raising more than £1,200. The race marked an emotional milestone at the end of nearly a year of treatment for Sophie, who is now in remission.

Sophie, 33, underwent five rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. Research funded by Cancer Research UK played a key role in  developing Herceptin, one of the treatments Sophie received. Herceptin is now considered the gold standard of care for this type of cancer. 

Leanne, 30, said taking part in Race for Life has been unforgettable. 

“It was incredibly hard watching Sophie, the person I love, go through cancer and it put life into perspective,” she said. 

“It was our family and close friends who got us through the toughest times. Crossing the finish line together was unforgettable. Sophie is back at work now, we’re planning our wedding. Our twin boys turn three in January, so there’s plenty to look forward to. Supporting Race for Life means helping others who are facing cancer right now.”

Around 20,500 people are diagnosed with cancer in Wales each year, according to Cancer Research UK. Funds raised through Race for Life help scientists find new ways to prevent, detect, and treat the disease, moving closer to a future where more people can live longer, healthier lives. 

Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Wales, said the charity was calling on communities across Cardiff to get involved. 

“Whether you’re part of a sports team, a book club, a dance group or just want to do something meaningful with friends or on your own, we want everyone to join us,” she said. “Nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it. Race for Life is non-competitive, people can walk, jog or run at their own pace. What matters most is showing up together.”

Since Race for Life began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part across the UK, funding three decades of progress in cancer research. Over the past 50 years, survival rates for breast cancer in the UK have nearly doubled, thanks in part to research funded by the charity.