64 great pictures from Cancer Research UK's Portsmouth Race for Life on Southsea Common on Sunday

There are as many poignant reasons for taking part in the Race for Life as there are runners.

Today Southsea Common was, as ever, transformed into a sea of pink as hundreds of people gathered to remember their friends and family and raise money for Cancer Research UK. There were a range of options for the fundraisers, who had to brave wet and cold conditions - a far cry form the Pretty Muddy races on Saturday which took place under blue skies and sunshine.

Whether runners opted for 3k, 5k or 10k routes, as these pictures show, there were smiles on every face as the participants ran the loop of Southsea Common. These great pictures from photographer Marcin Jedrysiak tell the story of a day of joy.

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 Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the south east, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Portsmouth.   Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.  

“Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer. Race for Life Portsmouth is such a special weekend as people come together to celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and to remember loved ones lost to the disease.      

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference and help people live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.”