COMMUNITY SPIRIT
C ambridge is set to become a hub of heartwarming community spirit and high- energy fundraising in 2025, with a packed calendar of charity events that combine giving back with plenty of fun. From adrenaline-pumping fitness challenges to family-friendly fairs and elegant galas, there’s no shortage of great opportunities to support good causes while making lasting memories. Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes, cycling for miles or attending a themed evening, these events promise to raise vital funds for local
and national charities while strengthening the bonds within our vibrant city. The TTP Cambridge Half Marathon (9 March) was founded in 2012, although earlier races were held in the 80s and 90s from Parker’s Piece, comprising two laps out to Trumpington and Grantchester. After some changes, the current route is famously ‘fast and flat’, starting at Victoria Avenue beside Midsummer Common and touring the city across 13.1 miles. Runners traverse the historic streets, run through Jesus, Trinity, King’s and St John’s Colleges, zigzag along the River Cam and loop down to Grantchester before heading back. Some 14,000 entrants are expected this year, raising funds for a variety of charities including Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, Alzheimer’s Research, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support to name just a few. Held in March, it involves months of gruelling winter training, so if you’re not match fit, it’s definitely one to watch. More than £940,000 was raised in 2024, with this year’s target at £1 million. Another well-known city race is the Cambridge Race for Life (29 June) – a 5k event around the city’s streets starting at Jesus Green, which is organised by Cancer Research UK. “We would love for as many people as possible across Cambridgeshire and beyond to join us at the Race for Life,” says Patrick Keely, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the east of England. “There is an event for everyone – and we mean everyone. Our events are strictly non-competitive, so everyone can have a go and love every minute. There’s no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in!” PICKING UP THE PACE St John’s College (left) forms part of the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon route, while the Cambridgeshire Classic (below) invites cyclists to explore scenic country lanes
KEY DATES 8 MAR Cambridgeshire Classic 2025 ukcyclingevents.co.uk 9 MAR TTP Cambridge Half Marathon cambridgehalfmarathon.com 27 APR Cambridge Cancer Help Cycle cambridgecancerhelp.org 29 JUN Race for Life Cambridge 5k/10k raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org 13 SEP Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival dragonboatevents.co.uk 14 SEP Bridge the Gap charity walk arhc.org.uk 21 SEP Chariots of Fire chariots-of-fire.co.uk 5 OCT Bidwells Cambridge 10k musculardystrophyuk.org
Since beginning in 1994, more than ten million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress. Chariots of Fire The city’s prestigious Chariots of Fire event (21 September) is a closed-road relay race comprising two-mile laps of the city’s streets – including King’s and Queens’ Colleges, as well as King’s Parade. Law firm HCR Hewitsons has teamed up
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