The Vital Role of Radios in Cancer Research UK’s Events

16^th April 2025

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) is the world’s largest independent cancer research organisation. It is registered as a charity in the United Kingdom and Isle of Man, and was formed on 4 February 2002. Cancer Research UK conducts research using both its own staff and grant-funded researchers.

25 Years The Challenge

Organising and delivering more than 400 events in over 190 different locations is no small feat. Every venue presents its own unique set of challenges, from varying terrains and venue layouts to differing crowd sizes and team structures.

This logistical complexity means CRUK can’t rely on a static fleet of radios—they need flexibility, reliability, and scalability. Most importantly, they need a communications partner who can adapt quickly and deliver exceptional service, no matter the location or scale of the event.

That’s where Ninehundred steps in.

What We Delivered

Two Way Radios

Our Partnership

Ninehundred Communications Group has proudly partnered with Cancer Research UK for over 25 years—a relationship rooted in trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to saving lives. From the early days when Race for Life was a modest 5K women-only event, we’ve supported CRUK’s expansion into an extraordinary portfolio of over 400 events held annually across the UK. These now include inclusive 3K, 5K, and 10K races, as well as Pretty Muddy and Race for Life at Night events.

In 2024 alone, Race for Life events raised a staggering £39 million, helping to fund ground-breaking research and support for cancer patients and their families. At every step of the journey, Ninehundred Communications has been right there—providing radio communications and technical support to ensure these vital events run smoothly, safely, and successfully.

How We Help

Our comprehensive radio hire and engineering support service is tailored to meet CRUK’s evolving needs:

A specialist team of engineers manages the delivery, setup, and maintenance of radios at each event, ensuring seamless operation.
Our hire fleet includes a wide range of radio equipment, allowing CRUK to scale communication resources based on the size of each event—from small 3K runs to full-scale marathons.
We provide on-site support for setup, troubleshooting, and technical assistance—so event organisers can focus on delivering a memorable experience for participants and supporters.

Our radios and repeaters enhance safety, coordination, and communication for all CRUK staff, volunteers, and security teams, helping to ensure each event is a success from start to finish.

As CRUK continues to grow and diversify its event offerings, Ninehundred Communications is committed to staying at the forefront of technology. Together, we’re not just maintaining standards—we’re raising them.

We’re constantly exploring new innovations to support CRUK’s vision—whether that’s next-gen digital radios, improved audio clarity, live location tracking, or advanced event analytics. Our goal is simple: to help Cancer Research UK operate as safely and efficiently as possible, so they can focus on what really matters—beating cancer.

Take a look at What Our Customers Say

a large scarefest sign on the grass at night

With Ninehundred continuously offering new products to the market they work alongside us to ensure we are at the forefront of technology and always have the best equipment available to the teams and the resort.

Tom Handley,
Alton Towers Resort

a Ninehundred communications van with a group of people running through town for race for life

Ninehundred stands out for us with the quality of the service and the product and the competitive pricing. In 2025, we’re going to be coming back bigger and better. We’ve got some really ambitious targets to reach, and we know that Ninehundred are going to help us, support us in reaching those targets and making sure our events are the best they can be.

Stephanie Wakefield,
Cancer Research UK

a stand with hytera SC580 body cameras, ninehundred communications brochures, two way radios, protective helmets on mannequins and merchandise

As soon as I asked for amendments to my quote, Mick and Emma were so quick and easy to communicate with. Both are a credit to the company. Thank you!

Jack Hammond,
Guardian Industries

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Communication with Ninehundred has been absolutely brilliant. They answer emails really quickly, we’ve discussed prices, so we’ve been able to negotiate a bit and time wise delivery of the goods and installation has been fast.

Christina Mallender,
Frodingham Infants

Every time I order from you I feel like no question is too small and I feel assured that you will do the best you can. Thank you to the team behind eorders@, you make my life easier with your promptness and kind approach to your work.

Alicia Eccleston,
Walk the Plank

Rapid quote given, easy order process and trouble free delivery – many thanks.

Richard Oades,
Running Deep Limited

A quick response from 900 to site to reconfigure a channel.

David Sheard,
Uniper

Brilliant service as always from Kim and the team. Always a pleasure to deal with Ninehundred Communications.

Lee Keates,
Professional Safety Services (UK) Limited

Clare and Ursela have been outstanding from start to finish, they have always been extremely helpful, understanding and efficient during the whole process and it is extremely refreshing to have members of your team going above and beyond for your customers. A true credit to the team!

Matthew Lewis,
Bromsgrove Sport