SOME 1,700 women donned their pink t-shirts for the two Race for Life events at Pitchcroft on Sunday.

Following the enthusiastic turnout for the mudder race the previous day, organisers were delighted that so many participated in Sunday's two races.

The hardcore runners opted for the 10km course, staring at the racetrack at 9.30am and taking in Pitchcroft Field and Gheluvelt Park.

And the gentler 5km course started at 11am, taking in the racetrack and nearby paths.

Helen Johnson of Cancer Research UK, which organises the annual events, said she was delighted with how the day had gone.

She said: "We had 1,700 women of all ages taking part, about 300 in the 10km race and the rest in the 5km.

"It's been a brilliant day, the atmosphere has been incredible, and I think everyone has really enjoyed it.

"When the race started, all you could see was a sea of pink t-shirts.

"We have some amazing ladies taking part, some of whom are still undergoing chemotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. Others come to take part because a family member or a close friend had the disease. Everyone really wants to help make a difference.

"It's a lovely positive event, and our estimate is that we have raised some £178,000 for Cancer Research UK and its fight against cancer.

"We couldn't have done it without all those who took part and their families who supported them, and all the lovely volunteers who made it possible. Our thanks go to all of them."

Thanks to events such as Race for Life and the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £9 million in the West Midlands on some of the UK's leading scientific and clinical research, helping more men, women and children survive the disease.