Exeter Race for Life set for July with support from BBC’s The Traitors star

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events are set to return to Exeter this summer, with a range of runs and obstacle courses planned at Westpoint in July.

The events, which take place nationwide between May and July, raise money for cancer research and are open to people of all ages and abilities. 

In Exeter, participants will be able to choose from 3k, 5k and 10k routes, as well as the Pretty Muddy 5k obstacle course and a separate Pretty Muddy Kids event.

The Exeter event will take place at Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, on Saturday 18 July.

According to Cancer Research UK, around 38,400 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the South West. 

The charity says money raised through Race for Life supports research into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.

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Among those supporting the event is Leanne Quigley, who recently appeared on the BBC third series of The Traitors in 2024. 

Leanne, aged 28, from the South West, gained national attention through the programme, which features contestants working in teams to complete challenges while attempting to identify “traitors” among them.

Following her appearance on the show, Leanne has spoken publicly about causes important to her, including cancer research. 

She previously took part in Race for Life in Exeter with her partner Sophie Jones after Sophie was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2024.

The couple led a team at a Pretty Muddy event last summer, raising more than £1,200. 

The event marked the end of almost a year of treatment for Sophie, who was treated for HER2-positive breast cancer with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She is now in remission.

Some of the treatments Sophie received were developed following research funded by Cancer Research UK, including work that helped establish the breast cancer drug Herceptin as a standard treatment for this type of cancer.

Leanne said taking part in Race for Life had been a significant moment for their family.

“It was incredibly hard watching Sophie go through cancer,” she said. “Crossing the finish line at Race for Life with our family and friends was unforgettable.”

“Sophie is back at work now, we’re planning our wedding and our twin boys turn three in January, so there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Cancer Research UK says Race for Life raises millions of pounds each year to support its work. Since the event began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part across the UK.

Elisa Mitchell, the charity’s spokesperson for the South West, said the Exeter event forms part of a wider effort to involve communities in supporting research.

“Race for Life brings people together to support life-saving research,” she said. 

“It’s non-competitive and people can walk, jog or run at their own pace. What matters is taking part.”

Over the past 50 years, Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have helped nearly double breast cancer survival rates in the UK. 

The charity has also played a role in research linking tobacco to cancer, contributing to major public health changes.

Further details about the Exeter Race for Life event are expected to be released closer to the summer.