Sally comes first in the pink army run

Rasharkin lady, Sally Mitchell joined a pink army of around 3,000 women in Cancer Research UK's Race For Life in Stormont Estate, Belfast.
Pictured are the 50 participants from Route 2 Fitness in Ballymoney who took part in the Race for Life with Sally. INBM24-16sPictured are the 50 participants from Route 2 Fitness in Ballymoney who took part in the Race for Life with Sally. INBM24-16s
Pictured are the 50 participants from Route 2 Fitness in Ballymoney who took part in the Race for Life with Sally. INBM24-16s

And despite it being the mother-of-three’s first time at the 5k event, she was crowned the winner crossing the finish line in just 23 minutes.

The 5k and 10k events, which took place in Stormont recently, is an annual event in which thousands of like-minded women come together to raise money for life-saving research.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sally, who was taking part for her friend who is currently receiving treatment for cancer, explained: “I always try to do my bit for charity and so when Route 2 Fitness in Ballymoney, where I train, asked me to join their annual trip to Race For Life I couldn’t say no.

Sally Mitchell, winner of the 5k run, chats to Cool FMs Pete Snodden. inbm24-16sSally Mitchell, winner of the 5k run, chats to Cool FMs Pete Snodden. inbm24-16s
Sally Mitchell, winner of the 5k run, chats to Cool FMs Pete Snodden. inbm24-16s

“Amazingly 50 of us took part and it was really an eye-opener. The atmosphere on the day was full of emotion, but incredibly motivating. Some participants had signs on their backs explaining their reasons for taking part. Many were remembering loved ones lost to cancer or celebrating the lives of people dear to them who have survived. It was an amazing experience to be apart of and I never expected to win. I’m not really a runner and with three teenagers at home it’s tough. So to cross the finish line first and in 23 minutes was a shock. Together we have also raise £3,000 so far and money is still coming in!”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to help fund life-saving research to help beat 200 types of cancer.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco for the past 15 years, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, marathon and hiking events which raises millions of pounds every year to fund research to help beat 200 types of cancer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Every hour someone in Northern Ireland is diagnosed with cancer, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

Sally Mitchell, winner of the 5k run, chats to Cool FMs Pete Snodden. inbm24-16sSally Mitchell, winner of the 5k run, chats to Cool FMs Pete Snodden. inbm24-16s
Sally Mitchell, winner of the 5k run, chats to Cool FMs Pete Snodden. inbm24-16s

Race For Life’s area events manager for Northern Ireland, Angela Wilson said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in Race For Life. The atmosphere here was full of emotion with participants wearing signs on their backs declaring their reasons for taking part. Many will be remembering loved ones lost to cancer or celebrating the lives of people dear to them who have survived.

“We are also grateful to Sally and her team of 50 for coming along and helping in the fight to beat cancer.

“Thank goodness cancer is not the death sentence it once was. Survival has doubled since the 1970s and scientists at Cancer Research UK are working hard to see the day when all cancers are cured. This research is only possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of our supporters.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Northern Ireland, so thank you so much to the wonderful Pink Army at Race for Life for all that you do to fundraise – every pound really makes a difference.”

Race for Life events are not competitive. They are about an army of women crossing the finish line together in the fight against cancer. Whatever the distance, every step taken around the course will help bring us one step closer to the day when all cancers are cured.