First-time Cambridge Half Marathon runner praises 'empowering' event
Around £1 million is expected to be raised from this year's event
A woman who ran this year's Cambridge Half Marathon to aid her partner's cancer treatment believes events likes these can help empower others.
Georgia Dixon was one of almost 17,000 runners taking part in the event on Sunday, which took in the likes of the University of Cambridge colleges along the route.
Georgia - who took on her first half marathon of any kind - travelled from Bedfordshire to run the 13.1 mile course and has raised at least £5,000 for Cancer Research UK.
"I'm grateful to be able to move my body, a lot of people aren't as fortunate as I am and I enjoy the thought of bettering myself but also helping to better other people as well," she said.
"A lot of cancer research is helping with treatment around the world, so the event as a whole is empowering."
When asked if she would run this event again, Georgia showed no hesitation and wants to encourage other people like her to get involved.
"You can do really hard things, as long as you're mentally prepared for it, your body can do anything; your mind will carry you further than your body will," she added.
"Take it a day at a time, but push yourself when you know you can and I think running your first half (marathon) would be good to do it for something.
"If I wasn't doing it for charity, I probably wouldn't be as driven as I am."
Organisers are expecting the Cambridge Half Marathon - in its 14th year - to raise £1 million through 60 different charities and organisations being represented at the event.
And many runners took to fancy dress to show support for their chosen cause, including Simon Burnett.
He dressed as comic book character Spider Man for the Just George Fund, in memory of George Radcliffe who died after being diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue tumour which affects muscles attached to the bone.
George's parents Lisa and David set up the Fund in September 2023 for the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) to help fund more research into the illness.
"People in the crowds talk to each other, want to know why you're here and it's a great way to raise awareness and stand alongside other charities to say 'we're all working hard and doing good'," Lisa said.
"There's a new children's hospital coming, a new cancer hospital, a lot going on in this area but it's a beautiful event to run and I think it draws charities in because people are excited to run this half marathon."