FLOODS will engulf Worcester Racecourse once again but this time they will be made up of thousands of women in pink for the first of this year's Race for Life events.

More than 3,000 women will unite to walk, jog, run, or even skip, the 5k or 10k events in the fight against cancer on Sunday (July 6).

Raising money for Cancer Research UK, the mighty-mums, gutsy-grans, feisty friends, and go-getting girls will don signs pinned to their backs declaring why they are taking part this year - whether they are running for a friend or family member with cancer, someone they have lost to the disease, or whether they are battling or have survived it themselves.

Michelle Leighton, Race for Life event manager for Worcester, said: “Looking at all the ‘back signs’ that women wear at the event, declaring why they are taking part, is a very emotional experience. Many have survived cancer themselves or are participating in tribute to loved ones whose lives have been touched by the disease.

“I feel so grateful to everyone who is taking part in Race for Life in Worcester, and to all the family, friends and colleagues who are supporting them. What better way to fight back against cancer than by raising funds to beat the disease.”

Organisers hope participants at the Worcester event will raise £160,895 after last year's 3,015 women who took part helped raise £163,735 for Cancer Research UK.

"By taking part, or sponsoring someone who is participating, you could help Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists make advances in research which will help more men, women and children in the West Midlands survive," Ms Leighton added.

“We still have places at events across the West Midlands so we hope that local women will grab the opportunity to sign up today and help us hit cancer were it hurts.”

Racers will start to arrive at the racecourse fromm9am and a mass aerobic warm up session, which includes a [performance of the infamous Cancer Slam, is planned for 9.45am. The race will start at 10am close to the football pitches and once runners cross the finish line, which is in the same place, they will receive a medal for taking part.

Also in July is the Race for Life Pretty Muddy event in Birmingham where participants will complete a 5k muddy obstacle course, and later in the year, runners will also be able to take part in the Worcester Twilight run also at the racecourse in October.

To enter an event, visit raceforlife.org or call 0845 6006050.