Women in Stevenage are being urged to make a last minute dash to enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life – as there is just one week left until registration closes.

Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 Place: Fairlands Valley Park – the start/finish is on the area of grass off Broadhall Way (SG2 8RH) – opposite Stevenage FC. There will be free parking there. What: Thousands of women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes will join the fight against cancer at the Race for Life 5k/10k events to raise money for Cancer Research UK's life-saving research. Timings: 9:30am – Participants start arriving 10am – Stage commentary begins 10.35am – Participant shares story on stage 10.40am – Event manager speech 10.45am – Warm up 11am – Event starts 2pm – Last participant finishes To enter Race for Life visit: raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

More than 1,200 women have already signed up to take part in the 5km race – which starts at 11am at Fairlands Valley Park on Sunday, July 9 – and there are still places left.

Entry closes next Thursday, July 6, and organisers are encouraging mums, daughters, sisters and friends who want to take part in the 5k and 10k events to sign up now at raceforlife.org.

All money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to treat cancer and save more lives.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a women-only series of 5km, 10km, Pretty Muddy, marathon and hiking events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding ground-breaking research.

This year’s event is being supported by Stevenage Leisure Limited, whose staff will have a stand alongside lots of other stalls on the day. The event promises to be a great day out, with entertainment for all the family.

Race for Life event manager Courtney Culverhouse said: “We are thrilled that so many women have entered Race for Life at Fairlands Valley Park. But we still have places left so we are urging women to sign up right now and show their support.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s – with Cancer Research UK’s work at the heart of that progress.

Courtney continued: “Race for Life events are non-competitive and participants can choose to walk, jog or run around the course. Whether they’re planning a 5k amble with friends, a 10k sprint or a mud-splattered race around Pretty Muddy, every step participants take will help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

“Taking part in Race for Life is a hugely moving experience thanks to our brave army of inspirational participants. Many will be remembering loved ones lost to cancer or celebrating the lives of people dear to them who have survived.

“We’re calling on ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes to sign up right now and be part of a collective force of women who are united in their aim to beat cancer.”

To enter Race for Life visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.