This 5-km charity run, in aid of Apeksha Hospital, the National Cancer Institute in Maharagama is organized by the Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown and has been one of the biggest charity events in Sri Lanka for the past 9 years.
Run for Their Lives is a symbol of hope and support for those battling cancer, with every step taken and every rupee raised being a sincere act of encouragement and love for those who need it most.
The purpose of the run is to raise awareness about cancer and to donate much-needed funds to the Apeksha Cancer Hospital.
Over the past 9 years, Run for Their Lives has attracted tens of thousands of participants.
In some years alone, more than 4,000 participants, along with 300+ organizations, corporate leaders, celebrities and others, have come together to raise millions of rupees; over LKR Rs 30 million across the past 9 years.
The 10th edition of the run, which will be held at the Viharamahadevi Amphitheatre on the 25th of February 2023 at 4.00pm, aims to raise LKR 10 million and register over 4,000 participants.
The registration fee of Rs. 1,400 will go entirely towards the charity, and participants will receive a free branded T-shirt along with access to the carnival after the run – which will feature a variety of stalls, games, activities, and music bands and artists, providing participants with a chance to relax, have fun, and celebrate their achievement.
"Cancer is not just a physical illness, it's a fight for life," explained Akmal Afzal, one of the Chairpersons of Run for Their Lives, "Run for Their Lives is our way of standing in solidarity with those who are battling cancer and giving them hope and letting them know that they’re not alone in this fight.
We want to show them that they have a support system; a community of people who believe in them and who are there for them every step of the way."
The impact of Run for Their Lives has been significant.
Over the years, the event has raised funds for the purchase of essential medicines and equipment for the Apeksha Cancer Hospital, providing much-needed support for those battling cancer.
Madushan Maheshwaran, a co-chairperson for RFTL,
"We run for the ones who can't.
We run for those who are fighting cancer with all their might.
We run for those who need our support.
This is not just a physical challenge, it's a mental and emotional challenge as well.
Megara Wijemanna, the other co-chairperson added, but it's a challenge worth taking, because every step we take is a step closer to a cure, a step closer to bringing hope and a huge morale boost for those who need it most."
About Run for Their Lives
Run for Their Lives is a noble annual initiative by the Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown that provides a platform for people to come together and support those who are fighting cancer.
The 10th edition of the run promises to be an emotional and impactful event that will raise awareness about cancer and raise funds for the Apeksha Cancer Hospital.
The event is scheduled to take place on the 25th of February 2023.
The invitation to participate and “run for those who can't, and show the world that together, difference can be made”, is open to all.
Visit www.linktr.ee/rftl2023 to participate or for more information, or simply show up on the day at 4.00pm.