WOMEN from all over Bolton put on their running gear and took to the fields and streets of the town -- to help fight cancer.

A total of 1,300 women -- of all ages and occupations -- took part in Bolton's first ever Race for Life.

Some of the runners had lost loved ones through cancer. Others had survived the disease, but, the vast majority, simply joined in the five kilometre run yesterday to raise as much cash as they could for Cancer Research UK.

And -- as the runners set off in Leverhulme Park under a glorious blue sky cheered on well-wishers -- organisers revealed they hoped the Bolton race would become an annual event.

The women fund-raisers were cheered every step of the way as they either walked or ran around the course, which included a couple of hills, a bridge and parts of the neighbouring streets adjoining the park.

At the finish line every woman and girl who participated was presented with a medal and a goody bag.

Bolton Race organiser David Martin was delighted with the number of runners who took part. It far exceeded his original target of 800, and he is now looking for venues in Bolton for another Race for Life next year.

He said: "It was just fantastic and everyone really enjoyed it. We definitely want to hold another Race for Life in Bolton. We are considering where to hold the next one. We have thought about Queen's Park but as yet we are not sure."

The run started with a mass warm up session and then a moving one minute's silence as everyone thought about the serious reasons behind the fun Race.

Some of the runners taking part then experienced a roller coaster of emotions as their excitement about their participation in the event was mingled with personal memories of loved ones who had lost battles with cancer or who are currently fighting the disease. Many had the names of their loved ones pinned onto their backs and some had special T-shirts printed with their photographs.

Two women added a touch of humour and colour to the event by dressing up not as a pantomime horse but as a pantomime camel. The fun loving duo just wanted to be known as 'Alison and Sam" and revealed they were 'running for Kim.'

A team from the Bolton Evening News took part. The paper along with Tower FM and main sponsor's Tesco, supported the Race for Life in Bolton

First over the finish line was teenager Katie Smith who completed the course in an impressive 18 minutes.

The 16-year-old who has just left Smithills High School was running in memory of her nan, grandad and one of her mother's friends.

Katie, runs for Bolton Harriers and has been in the county team for cross country. She hopes one day to become a professional athlete.

She said: "I didn't really mind what position I finished in, I was just pleased to be raising money for charity, although I was hoping to come in the top 20.

"Everyone was cheering for me as I finished."

Radcliffe woman Margaret McCartney, aged 62, ran the race with her daughter Claire Hilton and two granddaughters Rebecca Hilton, aged four, and Stephanie Middleton, aged five. The two youngsters from Heywood are believed to have been the youngest 'racers' at yesterday's event.

Margaret has survived cancer three times and a number of her relatives have also suffered from the illness.

She said: "The youngsters did incredibly well. Stephanie walked like a little trojan. We got lots of encouragement from spectators as we went round -- although I have to admit we walked it rather more than we ran."

The Bolton race was one of 130 being held across the country.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Race for Life event, which takes place each summer up and down the country. So far the races have raised £35 million. Cancer Research UK's aim for 2003 is to raise more than £17 million.

Pictures by Matt Simmonds