CANCER Research UK is urging women to enter the Race for Life in Stevenage this summer. Participants can walk, jog or run the 5km course at Fairlands Valley Park on Sunday, July 11. Last year, 3,551 ladies took part in the women-only sponsored event and r

CANCER Research UK is urging women to enter the Race for Life in Stevenage this summer.

Participants can walk, jog or run the 5km course at Fairlands Valley Park on Sunday, July 11.

Last year, 3,551 ladies took part in the women-only sponsored event and raised more than �210,000. This year, more than 1,320 people have already signed up, and organisers are hoping 3,800 women will help hit a fundraising target of �214,150. This money is crucial to help fund Cancer Research UK's life-saving work.

Sarah Firth, Stevenage event manager for Race for Life, said: "Race for Life is not a competitive event.

"It's about women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels coming together to share amazing moments and help beat cancer.

"They can walk, jog or run the 5k course and revel in Race for Life's unique atmosphere of sisterhood."

She added: "Many women are put off entering Race for Life because they think they won't be able to complete 5k. But we know that women often cover several kilometres on an average shopping trip, without even realising it, so taking part in Race for Life is definitely achievable."

To help women get ready for the Race for Life, Cancer Research UK has teamed up with celebrity fitness trainer Lucy Wyndham-Read and devised training plans for different levels of ability.

Free and easy to download from the Race for Life website, there is six weeks worth of training plans designed for walkers, joggers or runners. They feature guidance on warming up and stretching, as well as motivation.

To enter Race for Life, and download the free training plans, visit www.raceforlife.org Women can also enter by calling 0871 641 1111. Entry is �12.99, to cover organisational and administration costs.

For more information about Cancer Research UK, call 0207 121 6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org