NEARLY 3,000 women braved the heat yesterday (Sunday) to race for a cure for cancer.

Stevenage Race For Life took place at Fairlands Valley Park.

In total, 2,958 women and girls took on the 5k or 10k route to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The charity is confident of breaking its £170,000 fundraising target.

Spokesman Rachel Parratt said: “It was absolutely fantastic, the ladies of Stevenage were brilliant.

“The atmosphere lining up on the start line was fantastic, and everyone did really well in the heat.

“There were ladies in wedding dresses, one dressed as a giraffe, and they all made it round.”

More than 90 people also gave up their time to volunteer at the event.

They included members of running club Fairlands Valley Spartans and Stevenage army cadets.

“We could not have done it without them,” added Rachel.

• To view a gallery of pictures, click on the link in the top right-hand corner of the page.