Ya Raqs Race for Life

Several members of Ya Raqs swapped their usual red hip scarves for pink or gold ones to take part in the Wirral Race for Life to raise funds for cancer research.

The 5k race took place in Birkenhead Park and began with a mass warm-up, where we followed instructions such as "shake your hips" with enthusiasm.

Banafrit, Hebba, Mish-Mish and Phoenece warm up

The 4,500 women taking part were then split into groups of 'runners', 'joggers' etc. We headed straight for the 'walkers' section.

Noor, Hebba, Mish-Mish, Banafrit, Kebi and Phoenece stay close to the banner marking the walkers' section

The weather forecast predicted a mixed day, and this turned out to be entirely accurate. We started in bright sunshine, but by the 3k mark a few drops of rain had started to fall, and by 4k the rain was torrential. Soaked through but undaunted, we completed the final stretch singing, "Singing in the Rain", accompanied by Mish-Mish playing sagat, and even managed to shimmy over the finishing line.

Shimmying to the finishing line


We did it!