Race for Life returned to Worcester this weekend, raising more than £47,000 for charity.

Thousands of runners flocked to Pitchcroft over two days, many with their own personal reasons for taking on the challenge.

Participants could chose to take part in either a 10km, 5km, or 3km race on Sunday or if feeling particularly brave, a 5km muddy obstacle course on the Saturday.

All the money raised from across the two days will go to Cancer Research UK.

The charities Worcestershire spokesperson, Paula Young, said: “We’d like to say a huge well done to everyone who took part and everyone who volunteered at Race for Life Worcester on this beautiful, sunny weekend.

“The atmosphere was full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible. Funds raised - whether it’s £10 or £100 will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives.”

First across the line for Sunday’s 10k was Worcester City green party councillor Neil Laurenson, who completed the course in around 40 minutes.

However, a fast finish came at a price, as the councillor had a run-in with a dog along the way.

“The main reason I’m doing this is for my mother-in-law Joyce, who passed away many years ago, but I might also just be having a midlife crisis” he said.

“My partner first did it about six years ago, so thank you to her for getting the ball rolling but it was a first time for me, and it was brilliant.

“I did get caught by a dog though and I just had to let my shock out to the police when I crossed the line as they were the first people I’d seen in quite a while.”

Meanwhile, the first woman to cross the line in the 10k race was Meg Judge and she was no stranger to this event.

She said: “Worcester Race for Life was my first running event when I was 16 and I’ve done it every year since.

“It was very hot out there today but very enjoyable and just a great atmosphere.

“It’s really nice to see so many people taking part including lots of people who maybe don’t run all the time.”

For lots of people, finishing in the quickest time is the last thing on their mind when taking part.

Sarah Bedford was one of many taking part who has had their own battles with cancer.

In March, aged 32, Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer which she is now overcoming.

“It will be a very emotional day but I’m just so excited to get going,” she said ahead of taking on the 5k race with her family.