Race on to find 2,500 runners

It may be five months away but Oldham women are being invited to sign up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2009.

And the charity is asking them to pass on the invitation to friends, family and colleagues now that entry to the Oldham event is officially open.

This year’s Race for Life will take place on Sunday, July 19 (11am) at Alexandra Park.

In previous years, there have been two races — morning and afternoon — but organiser Jayne Leggat said numbers weren’t high enough at afternoon events to justify another.

She added: “We will concentrate on the morning which always has plenty of atmosphere.”

Last year, 2,428 women walked, jogged or ran the Oldham event which took place for the sixth time and raised £130,427. This year, organisers hope 2,500 women will put their best feet forward and raise £135,000. The Oldham participants will be among 680,000 women from across the UK taking part at over 230 events between May and July. Cancer Research UK hopes that together they will raise a total of £60 million to fund the charity’s life-saving work.

Women are invited to walk, jog or run 5km (3 miles) to raise money to help beat cancer.

Jayne said: “Women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes join in. They motivate and inspire each other to complete the 5k course. Many simply walk round, chatting and having fun but they all share the wonderful spirit of sisterhood and pride on the day.”

Gloria Hunniford, Patron of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, said: “I know that for many women, Race for Life holds a special place in their hearts and the determination and passion that is felt throughout the events creates an atmosphere that is truly special and inspiring for us all.

“I would urge every woman, no matter what age, fitness level or ability to take part.”

Women in the North-West are invited to enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871-641 2282.