THE race is on to raise money to fight cancer, with some 350,000 women expected to sign up to take part in one of the country's biggest fundraising activities.

Race for Life has been going since 1994 and more than 150 all-women runs have already been organised for later this summer.

This year Warrington will host one such race at Walton Hall Gardens on Sunday, June 13. Places are limited to just 1,000 participants and the race is already filling up fast. In fact Warrington Guardian staff have also signed up to take on the challenge.

It doesn't matter how you get round the five kilometre course, you can run, jog or walk it, the main emphasis is on raising money.

Race organiser James Dunphy said: "Walton Hall Gardens is a beautiful venue and it will add something extra to the day.

"It's a fantastic event and it will be even nicer if the women taking part can enjoy such a prestigious venue as well."

Last year the Warrington event raised £51,000 and organisers are hoping to beat that this year.

The course around Walton Hall Gardens will be a mixture of paths and roads, participants will pass Appleton Reservoir and cross over the Bridgewater Canal. But it won't be too hard on the knees, as the main event area is all on grass just in front of Walton Hall.

James continued: "It's vital that women take part in this event to support Cancer Research UK's vital research into care and prevention of cancer.

"Every pound that is raised through the Race for Life is vital and will contribute to the national target of £20 million.

"If we reach that target it will make a great difference to our work."

l For details on how to enter log on to www.thisiswarrington.co.uk/race_for_life/