Everything you need to know as Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events return to Preston tomorrow..

It’s that time again. Preston’s Race for Life takes place at Avenham and Miller Park tomorrow - Saturday June 6, 2026. If you have signed up or planning to watch, here’s a helpful guide.

What is it? Cancer Research UK’s much-loved events, which raise funds for life-saving research, are returning to the city. Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

When and where? The Race for Life 3k, 5k and 10k events take place at Avenham and Miller Park, South Meadow Lane, Preston on Saturday June 6. People of all ages and abilities are welcome. On the same day there’s a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy, a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course, and there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids option for children aged six to 12. Event starts at 11am.

The course: The 2026 Preston course showcases the city’s stunning parks and riverside views. Starting and finishing in Avenham Park, runners journey through Frenchwood Recreational Ground and Miller Park on a mix of surfaced paths and grass. Gentle undulations add challenge, while the River Ribble provides a scenic backdrop.

Where to meet? The meeting point is located in Avenham Park, in front of the Pavilion Cafe. Both the start and finish will be located in this area of the parks. If using what3words, enter ///branded.mime.claim in the free app, to find the exact location of the event site. The 3k event has a turn around point to separate from the 5k and 10k route, clearly signposted with volunteer marshals providing support.

Travel and parking?

By car: There is no designated car parking for this event due to it's new central location. There are many public pay and display car parks that participants can use such as Fishergate Car park, Preston Railway Station Car Park and Avenham Car Park to name a view. All within 10 minute walk to the event site.

Drop Offs: Participants can be safely dropped off in Fishergate Car Park with a short walk to the event site, alternatively streets surrounding the event such as Ribblesdale Place but please do so in a safe manner, being mindful of traffic and local residents.

Blue Badge Parking: There is blue badge parking spaces available in all the major car parks mentioned above.

Volunteer Parking: We do not have specific volunteer parking for this event, we ask all volunteers to please use a suitable local car park as mentioned above, residential free parking or use public transport/walk to the event site where you are able.

Electric Charging Points: The closest charging point is in Avenham Car Park, Syke St, Preston, PR1 3BN (two double EV charging points available).

Public transport and pedestrians:

Pedestrians: There are many entrances to Avenham and Miller Park, the main entrance for pedestrians on foot is via Ribblesdale Place, taking you straight into Avenham park looking out onto the event site.

Bus: Avenham and Miller Park is a short walk away from major bus stops stopping at Preston Railway Station on Fishergate. Pleaese refer to the Preston Bus website for more information on local bus routes.

Train: Preston Trail Station is located in the centre of Preston and only a short walk from the event site within Avenham and Miller Park.

Cycling & Bike Racks: Limited bike racks available at the Pavillion Cafe, however plenty of cycle parking available at Preston Train Station.

Other Race for Life events in the North West?

Blackburn 3k, 5k and 10k (10 June 2026)

Manchester 3k, 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy (4/5 July 2026)

Blackpool 3k, 5k and 10k (1 July 2026)

Stockport 3k and 5k (7 June 2026)

Haydock Racecourse 3k, 5k and 10k (28 June 2026)

Aintree Racecourse 5k and 10k (14 June 2026)

Sefton Park 3k, 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy (25/26 July 2026)

Warrington 3k, 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy (28 June 2026)

Annabel Underwood, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North West, said: “It’s time for Preston to go all in against cancer, all in to help fund life-saving research. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime* but all of us can support the research that will beat it. Spring is an ideal time to commit to getting more active as the days get a little warmer.

“We’d love for as many people as possible across Preston and the North West to join us. Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer. Whether you’re a five-a-side crew, book club, dance troupe, yoga club, fancy doing something with your friends- or on your own- we want everyone to join us.

“For those who do enjoy a challenge, our 10k events will again be chip timed, perfect for anyone wanting to track their progress or aim for a personal best. But Race for Life is non-competitive. People can walk, jog or run and go at their own pace. What matters is showing up together. There is a race for everyone and we mean everyone.”

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research. Over the past 50 years, Cancer Research UK funded scientists have helped to nearly double breast cancer survival in the UK. The charity also helped prove the link between tobacco and cancer, preventing millions of deaths worldwide.