Windsor Olympic gold medallist backs major Cancer Research event this weekend

An Olympic gold medallist from Windsor is urging residents to join a major Cancer Research event in its 30th year.

Former 100m and 200m Team GB sprinter Marlon Devonish MBE OLY said you don’t have to be one of the UK’s fastest runners to be a winner at Race for Life, which takes place in Windsor on June 1.

He is calling on his hometown to take on the fundraising challenge at Windsor Racecourse after seeing ‘too many close friends and family’ affected by cancer.  

Marlon said: “The statistic that almost one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime (according to the Cancer Intelligence Team at Cancer Research UK) is enough to get anyone out of the starting blocks to do what they can to help more people beat the disease.

“Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many close friends and family whose lives have been devastated by cancer, but by helping to fund cutting-edge research, we can help more people to survive it.”

The 47-year-old father-of-two believes everyone deserves a place on the podium for participating in the 3k, 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events, which help fund research into new ways to prevent, detect and treat more than 200 types of cancer. 

Marlon has won gold at the Olympics, World Indoor Championships, Commonwealth Games and European Championships.

His tally includes six gold, two silver and five bronze medals across all major international championships, with many won for his prowess as a bend runner and third leg in Team GB’s men’s 4x100m relay.

Marlon added: “I know what can be achieved when you work as a team so I hope as many people as possible across Berkshire will also unite and take part in this year’s Race for Life in Windsor.

“Whether you’re a cancer survivor yourself, living with it, have lost someone to it or want to help future patients, by working together, we can help fund the next big breakthrough.”

Marlon’s sprinting career began in the same year that Race for Life was born when he was part of the 1994 relay team that won the World Junior Championships.

Fast-forward a decade to Athens 2004 and he and team-mates Jason Gardner, Darren Campbell and Mark Lewis-Francis were crowned Men’s 4x100m Olympic champions, beating off fierce competition from the USA.

Now Marlon hopes to inspire others to help Cancer Research UK’s scientists achieve their goal of accelerating progress to save more lives.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part in Race for Life and can choose from a 3k, 5k or 10k or Pretty Muddy – a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course.  There is also a Pretty Muddy Kids option.

Marlon said: “Race for Life is a wonderful way to make a difference, enjoy exercising and you’ll even receive your own special medal in an Olympic year.

“But you don’t have to be the fastest out of the blocks or the first over the line to achieve your goal. Whether you walk it, jog it, sprint it, or even slide your way around through the muddy obstacles in Pretty Muddy, every penny helps to support life-saving cancer research.”

Elisa Mitchell Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Berkshire, said: “We are grateful to Marlon for his support and know that, like so many, he has seen the impact cancer can have on friends and family.

“We’d love for as many people as possible across Berkshire and beyond to join us at Race for Life. It’s a chance to feel the power of moving together with fellow Race for Lifers and to treasure that moment of crossing the  finish line.   

“Whether people are living with cancer, are taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with the disease, are in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”

People can sign up on the day of the event. To enter, visit www.raceforlife.org