Race For Life Twilight 5k - Mission Completed!

All In Pink - Waiting For The Race To Start

Well, we have survived the 'storms' in one piece, so I thought now was a good time to nail down a little blog post about my first Race For Life experience. Our Chelmsford 5K Twilight event happened on the 24th October, and luckily the weather held. I have to admit I was nervous about that right up until the day, but the weather gods shone kindly on Chelmsford.
I knew from seeing pictures of other Cancer Research and Breast Cancer Care events that pink was a common colour theme, and wearing pink is positively encouraged, but I wasn't sure how many would join in with this. I arrived at Central Park and was surrounded by a sea of pink. Some had tutu's and fairy lights, others had sweat bands, deely boppers and pink t-shirts or jumpers. To add to the effect the event organisers had several pink up lights around a group of trees, and fairy lights strung along one part of the course, plus the flashing finish start/finish line.

If you've seen my earlier post, you'll know that it was the first time I'd done a Race For Life event. I

Event T-Shirt With All Our Names On

knew I didn't want to run it, but set off from the start aiming to briskly walk, and jog at times, along the 2 laps of the course. All I can say is it was great fun. There's was plenty of encouragement from the stewards and sea cadets along the well marshalled course, music in places, and a good sense of community spirit. Some were taking part just to support the charity, others had been affected by cancer in some way. There was a sense of fun, and sense of purpose. I wasn't the only one taking part on my own, and didn't mind that at all. The event was really well organised so I felt safe, and invigorated.

Watching Others Cross The Finish Line
 

Although I did get lapped by the runners at one point, the fastest of which crossed the line in 25 minutes, I was pleased with my pace, and felt quite proud of myself when I crossed the line at the 50min 38 seconds mark. A bottle of water, and some sweets were my reward, then I was off home to show off my medal, and tell everyone my time.

It was a good way to spend an evening, and I would definitely do it again, so I hope Race For Life Twilight comes back again next year, although in the meantime I might do the route again whenever I need some invigorating exercise! More importantly I also raised funds for Cancer Research, a brilliant cause, and I hope that somehow the kind donations I received in sponsorship will go a little way to help beat cancer.