Our complete guide to Cambridge Race for Life 2019 - with course map, road closures, useful tips and more
More than 4,000 women, men and children will tackle the Race for Life in Cambridge in aid of Cancer Research UK on Sunday.
This year, there are 5K and 10K events taking place in the city, starting and finishing on Jesus Green.
Runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair users will raise vital funds for the charity’s research work - much of it done here at CRUK Cambridge Institute, of course - by entering the annual event.
Look out for our photographer on the day - we’ll be posting galleries of pictures online and featuring them in the Cambridge Independent edition of July 10-16.
Here’s our guide to Sunday’s events.
Time and location
Both the 5K and 10K events begin at 11am on Sunday July 7, 2019, but participants are advised to arrive at least an hour before the start due to the numbers taking part. Both routes start and finish on Jesus Green.
The course
A mixture of tarmac, grass and cobbles, the route is largely flat - this is Cambridge, after all - and you can expect some of the city’s finest sites along your route. The 5K route goes through the city centre, past the market square, through the grounds of King's College, before returning to Jesus Green. The 10k route adds in an additional loop up to Stourbridge Common, along the River Cam, and back before reaching Jesus Green
Accessibility
The course is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, but note that some of the streets are cobbled and the start and finish is on grass. Dogs are allowed.
The stage and warm-up
Activity will start on the main stage from 10.35am, with Cam and Chloe. There will be a minute’s silence to remember those lost to cancer. An ‘energiser’ will then help warm-up participants ahead of the 11am start.
Weather and water
The forecast is for it to be fairly warm on Sunday - around 17C, with only a light breeze. Participants are urged to bring water. There will be water at the finish and a water station for 10k participants, but a very limited extra supply for the 5k course. Wear hats and sunscreen.
Entertainment and information for spectators
Jesus Green will be the venue for the main stage, and the ongoing entertainment, stalls, activities and food. Spectators can watch from here and their support will be very welcome.
Facilities
There will be toilets, but no showers or baggage drops.
There is no specific parking available.
Refreshments will be on offer on Jesus Green.
Entry costs
There is still time to enter. Adults: £14.99; children: £10; under-6 entry (girls and boys): free and no registration needed. Entry is via the Race for Life website.
Getting there
Many city centre roads will be closed from early in the morning - see the full details below. Organisers anticipate that all roads will be open by 2pm. There will be no street parking on the route. Access will be maintained for city car parks. Participants are encouraged to use the buses. Stagecoach and Park & Ride bus services will operate, using a diversionary route - see below.
Buses and Park & Ride
The following Stagecoach bus services will be on diversion until 5pm:
Madingley Park & Ride: The bus will be unable to serve Bridge Street and Jesus Lane bus stops. Passengers are advised to board and alight at St. Andrew's Street as an alternative.
Busway Route B: The bus will not stop on Jesus Lane and Round Church Street. Passengers are advised to board at Drummer Street Bus Station or at New Square as an alternative.
Cambridge Citi 5 / Citi 6: The bus will not stop at Bridge Street and Jesus Lane bus stops. Passengers are advised to board at Emmanuel Street (stop E4) as an alternative.
Cambridge City Sightseeing Tour: This will not be in operation.
Road closures in full
From 9am-2pm, the following roads are due to be closed:
- Park Parade - from St John’s Road to Richmond Terrace
- St Johns Road - from Park Parade to New Park Street
- New Park Street - entire Length
- Park Street - from New Park Street to Round Church Street
- Round Church Street - from Park Street to Sidney Street
- Market Street - from St Mary’s Street to Sidney Street
- Market Hill - from Sidney Street to St Mary’s Street
- St Mary’s Street - from Trinity Street to Market Street
- Senate House Hill - from Trinity Street to King’s Parade
- Silver Street - from Trumpington Street to Queens Road
- Queens Road (footpath) - from Silver Street to Garret Hostel Lane
- Garret Hostel Lane - entire length
- Trinity Lane - entire length
- Trinity Street - entire length
- St John’s Street - from Trinity Street to Bridge Street
- Bridge Street - entire length
- Thompson Lane - entire length
- Richmond Terrace - from Park Parade to Thompson Lane
- Jesus Green footpaths - as signed
- Midsummer Common footpaths - as signed
- Riverside - entire length
Diversion for all these routes: Northampton Street, Chesterton Lane, Chesterton Road, Elizabeth Way, East Road, Gonville Place, Lensfield Road, Trumpington Street, The Fen Causeway, and vice versa
No waiting or loading at any time restrictions
From 12am-2pm, when signs are in place, there will be no waiting or loading along the entire lenght of King’s Parade and on Queens Road, from Garret Hotel Lane to Silver Street
Suspension of one-way
From 9am-2pm, when signs are in place, the one-way restriction in Corn Exchange Street and Wheeler Street will be suspended.
About Cancer Research UK
The world’s leading cancer charity receives no funding from the UK government. It relies on vital donations from the public. Its research has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years. Today, two in four people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, three in four people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years. The charity supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses. Its ultimate vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
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