MORE than 5,000 women of all ages pounded through Worc-ester city centre for another successful Race for Life event.

Around £80,000 had already been raised from pledges made via the event's website even before the seventh annual run in Worcester in aid of Cancer Research UK had begun.

"It was a fantastic day," said race organiser Clare Hartley, following yesterday's event.

"It's a big event in Worcester because we close some of the roads in the city and lots of people are involved."

She said discussions are being held to make next year's event even bigger as places for yesterday's run had been filled so quickly.

Starting at Worcester Racecourse and all along the route to the finish line outside the Guildhall in the High Street, thousands of supporters cheered and applauded entrants as they ran, jogged or walked past.

The winner of the race was Helen Utridge, from Colwall, near Malvern.

It was the third time the 32-year-old, who teaches at the village's Downs School, off Brockhill Road, had run in the Worcester Race for life. She has also taken part in other Race for Life events around the country.

"I've always been in the top five. I was determined to win it this year," said Helen.

She said she was not running in dedication of anyone in particular but thought it was important to raise money for the charity nonetheless.

Katie Clowes was the first of the 16 members of staff from Stourport-on-Severn High School, to finish.

The PE teacher, from Rain-bow Hill, Worcester, was running in memory of her granddad, Frank Lock, and a colleague who died earlier this year.

"It was a really good atmosphere and everyone enjoyed themselves for a very good cause," said the 27-year-old.

The race also saw a number of children taking part. Among them was 10-year-old Abbie Snow from Bromsgrove.

"I've raised quite a bit of money," said Abbie. She amassed around £60 for the charity.