Women urged to run in the Race for Life (From Echo)

Women urged to run in the Race for Life

10:00am Wednesday 6th June 2012 in News By Gina Marden

WOMEN are can joing the fight against cancer by joining the region’s biggest ever race in Basildon.

This year’s Race for Life, taking place at Barleylands Farm in Billericay, is shaping up to be the largest in the East of England with space for 8,000 women.

The event is normally held at Basildon’s Gloucester Park, but has outgrown the venue.

So far, 5,000 women have already signed up to take part in the 5k women-only event at 11am on Sunday, June 24.

However, race organisers are urging girls, including mums, daughter, grannies, sister, friends and workmates, to enter.

All cash raised from the event will go towards funding research into 200 types of cancer. Gill Burgess, event manager for Race for Life in Essex, said: “We are absolutely thrilled so many women have entered Race for Life in Basildon and Billericay.

“Together, they will help us create a fantastic atmosphere on the day and raise crucial funds to help beat cancer.

“We don’t want anyone to miss out. We still have places left for the event, but we are reminding women who want to take part at this venue that they must enter as soon as possible, before registration closes.

“The battle against cancer never stops, so we need you to sign up now and start raising money for ground-breaking research to help save more lives.”

Entry for the race closes on June 21, and people can enter via www.raceforlife.org The race is non competitive and people can be walked.

Last year 6,492 women took part in Race for Life at Gloucester Park and helped raise an £388,343.

This year, Cancer Research UK hopes the thousands who have entered will raise £450,000.

Gill added: “Women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes take part in Race for Life. They motivate and inspire each other to complete the course.”

Women are also being encouraged to give their wardrobe a workout and clearing out any unwanted items which can be taken to a Donation Station at Barleylands on the day of the race.

Every woman who takes part will receive a donation bag, along with a Gift Aid form, as part of their Race for Life entry pack.

To enter visit www.racefor life.org or call 0871 641 1111.