Free New Forest Marathon Places For Cancer Patients
27 June 2025
In a move that is considered to be a first for a running event, people in remission from cancer will be able to get free entry into the 2025 New Forest Marathon and its associated events as part of their recovery plan.
The decision to offer free places to people recovering from cancer was taken after a groundbreaking research study has revealed that a structured exercise regime after treatment can lower the risk of mortality post diagnosis by a third.1
Furthermore, the coordinated research study in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Israel found that exercise can stop tumours coming back and prevent new cancer from developing.
Launched by Run 4 Cancer in partnership with the Garmin New Forest Marathon, this new initiative is a direct bid to help cancer sufferers recover post diagnosis.
Cancer patients will be able to gain free entry to all event distances (from 5Km to full marathon) as part of their structured training plan. The 2025 event will take place on Sunday 14 September.
Stuart Bowker, Trustee at Run 4 Cancer said: “For some time now specialist cancer doctors have been extolling the benefits of exercise. Exercise can play a vital role in cancer recovery by improving mood and mental well-being whilst helping to manage fatigue and other treatment side effects. Exercise can also help to maintain a healthy weight and assist in strengthening muscles and bones. However, the new evidence that exercise has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of cancer recurrence is of particular interest.”
“This new piece of global research led by Queen’s University in Kingston (Canada) unequivocally proves for the first time that exercise can have a dramatic effect on cancer survival rates. Whilst this study only focused on colon cancer (one of the most common types of cancer), it is thought that many other cancer types will be impacted in the same way. Data from this study suggested there were lower breast and prostate cancer occurrences in the exercise group too2.”
“Given that walking, jogging and running are perhaps the most accessible forms of exercise, we want to encourage people up to five years post diagnosis to apply for a free place in the New Forest marathon, or one of the event’s shorter distances. We have a large number of free places to give away to people in recovery*.”
Stuart concluded: “Of course, it is absolutely essential for people in recovery from cancer to speak with their doctor before embarking on any form of physical activity. People should only start training for one of the New Forest events if they have obtained medical sign off.“
Andy Dalsh, Event Director at the New Forest Marathon added: “Run 4 Cancer is a long-standing partner of the New Forest Marathon. As one of our Official Charities we fully support this fantastic initiative to help people in recovery from cancer. Given the New Forest’s immeasurable beauty this is perhaps the perfect event for people to focus on as part of a structured exercise and recovery plan.”
Dalsh continued: “Constantly ranked in the ‘Top Five’ running events in the UK, we’re expecting 5,000 runners to take part this September with another 10,000 people attending as spectators and wider supporters. As the largest event anywhere in the UK on Crown land, this is a unique opportunity for people to take part in one of Europe’s most spectacular running events.”
To find out more, interested parties should visit New Forest Marathon page on the Run 4 Cancer website at www.run4cancer.org/new-forest-marathon. General information on the New Forest Marathon can be found at www.newforestmarathon.co.uk
*Event places are strictly limited and are subject to availability.
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