Huskies will lead out around 25,000 runners as they begin the sixth annual Cancer Research UK London Winter Run from Trafalgar Square on Sunday 9th February.

The dogs will be pulling a sled driven by the UK’s leading female sled-dog racer, Vickie Pullin, along a 150m stretch of road passing by the iconic Nelson’s Column before heading up Charing Cross Rd where the pack will leave runners to complete the rest of the 10km course. Vickie and her dogs will then station themselves within the race village in Trafalgar Square where runners and spectators will have the opportunity to meet them after the race.

It is the first time huskies have run on central London streets and a celebration of the success of the winter-inspired event, London’s biggest 10K, and surpassing the £3,000,000 fundraising milestone for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research to help beat cancer.

This year will see the largest field of runners since the event began in 2015, credit to its growing popularity which many put down to its friendly and inclusive atmosphere and the rare opportunity it provides to run a closed road route past some of London’s most famous landmarks.

Nick Rusling, CEO of parent company Human Race says, “Since the first event six years ago we’ve seen the number of people lining up on the start line in Trafalgar Square grow and grow, with many of our veterans returning each year, but also new faces running for the first time. We deliberately wanted this event to remain true to purpose, being a welcoming, fun and friendly occasion that runners of all abilities can enjoy during the depths of London’s winter. It’s fantastic to see people from all walks of life getting out and active despite the cold and hearing the inspiring stories of many who are raising money for Cancer Research UK in the process. We’re looking forward to surpassing the £3 million already raised for Cancer Research UK to date.”

Sled-dog racer Vickie Pullin, based in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire says it is a cause particularly close to her heart. Vickie lost her gran and aunt to cancer, before more recently losing her mum. She has since dedicated her mission to become a world champion in the sport to her beloved mum, raising thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK in the process.

Vickie says, “I’m super excited to be a part of this and just want to make a difference to Cancer Research and help to raise awareness and get people supporting this amazing charity. Unfortunately now too many of us have a story with cancer – it will be a proud moment for me and my dogs to lead out this race.”

Vickie is flying out to compete in the IFSS (International Federation of Sleddog Sports) 2020 European Championships in Sweden just a week after the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run. There she hopes to win gold on her quest to becoming world champion.

Simon Ledsham, director of communities at Cancer Research UK says, “We’re so grateful to everyone taking part in the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run this year. We know that many of the runners will have been affected by cancer in some way, and it’s thanks to their incredible fundraising at this event that we’re able to support our life-saving research into cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years, but there’s still more to be done. By taking part in the London Winter Run, participants have a real impact in helping us beat cancer.”

For more information go to https://www.londonwinterrun.co.uk/