HUNDREDS of women turned out in the glorious sunshine to take part in the massive charity run in aid of Cancer Research UK on Sunday.

The atmosphere at Preston Sports Arena, in Tom Benson Way, was charged with emotion as a record 1,587 women prepared to ran, jog, and walk the Citizen-supported Race For Life.

Many of those taking part had lost loved ones to the disease and some were cancer survivors themselves.

And they wore poignant epitaphs on their backs as they paced the 5km route. The words on the back of one young girl read: "For my dad, 26 March 2004", and another quite simply: "For me".

Even sporty Citizen staff joined the event and raised more than £550 for the charity which plans to use the cash for research into cancers that affect women's lives.

Citizen editor Gill Ellis said: "It was great to see so many women taking part in the event in aid of such a worthy cause.

And reporter Emma Mayoh, who ran the race in 38 minutes, said: "I am really pleased I took part. It was a personal achievement to raise the money and run the race, and it made me realise just how many people are affected by cancer."

Last year the Preston event raised a staggering £55,000 for the good cause. This year organisers are hoping it will pull in nearly £100,000.

Katie Lambert, events organiser for Cancer Research UK, said: "It was a fantastic day and the weather was marvellous. It was great to see so many people taking part, individuals and groups. I stood at the finishing line and everyone had a huge smiles on their faces. It was a fantastic sight."