Ladies - get ready to run

The 5K race, organised by Cancer Research UK around the country for the past 10 years but new to the town, attracted 1,200 females of all ages and levels of fitness.

They raised over £46,000, delighting organisers who had anticipated around 800 women at the inaugural race.

Now, it is back, on Sunday, June 20, and organisers are keen to get even more local females out running and fund-raising.

This year's event was launched at the Tesco store in Middlebrook - Tesco is the main sponsor - with help from some of the local store staff who will be taking part.

Last year, the Tesco runners were easily identified in their bright pink T-shirts, along with other teams of women in a variety of colours.

Many runners wore the special Race For Life T-shirts, available once again, in navy this time. And everywhere, pinned to the backs of entrants, were signs announcing "For Mum" or "In memory of my Dad" as runners showed their reasons for taking part.

This year, the Bolton Evening News has got together with Tower FM to provide regular coverage in the weeks before the race and on the day.

And we will print a map of the course, and entry forms will also be published exclusively on a regular basis.

Race entry costs £8.50 (£5 for girls under 18), and everyone is encouraged to raise as much sponsorship money as possible for Cancer Research UK.

You can also enter online at www.raceforlife.org or call 08705-134314.

And at the end of the event - which takes a route through woodland, along Long Lane and around the running track - there will not only be a medal for every runner, but also the satisfaction of helping to win the race against cancer.

PICTURE: Employees of the Tesco store at Middlebrook who are taking part in the Race For Life are pictured at the launch of this year's event. They are, from left: Sandra Valentine, Gayna Boatwright, Karen Comisky, Linda Speak, Tracy McCue and Jill Rogerson, with Ann Yates in the trolley.