LEVERHULME Park was pretty in pink as women of all ages took part in this year’s Race for Life event.

More than 2,000 women took to the starting line to run, jog or walk the 5km race, whilst raising money for Cancer Research UK.

The event, which is the UK’s largest women-only fundraiser, basked in hot sun as the runners warmed up by dancing to uplifting songs such as Pharrell Williams’ Happy.

The large crowd of supporters joined with the racers, shouting “cancer we are coming to get you” after taking part in a minute’s silence.

Winner Nikki Reid, aged 21, from Horwich came in at an impressive 21 minutes six seconds, followed closely by 18-year-old Frankie Connolly, from Breightmet, who did 21 minutes 19 seconds.

Miss Reid said: “Everyone knows someone who has had cancer. I’m running four my cousin’s grandma. I do a lot of running but I admit it was still pretty hard. I certainly wasn’t expecting to finish first.”

The Bolton News’ very own health reporter Charlotte Dobson showed that she practices what she preaches as she crossed the line in fourth place, clocking up 23 minutes 21 seconds.

She ran alongside news editor Jane Lavender, education reporter Saiqa Chaudhari, crime reporter Miranda Newey and picture desk assistant Jessica Blackburn.

Charlotte said: “I’m fortunate that none of my immediate family have had cancer, but I know others who have. I’m really pleased with my time. I wasn’t sure what to expect so I just went for it.”

Read the full story in tomorrow's Bolton News.