Thousands take part in Race for Life

More than 2,000 women took part in the 5km race at Newbury Showground to raise funds for Cancer Research UK

MORE than 2,000 women have taken part in the Newbury Race for Life today (Sunday).

The 5km event, sponsored by Tesco and Cancer Research UK, saw women of all ages and abilities running, jogging or walking around the course. Edwina McDowall, aged 40 and from Newbury, was the first home in just over 20 minutes, while 44-year-old Lizzie Caine, also from Newbury, was not too far behind in second place.

Area events manager for Cancer Research UK, Victoria Meikle, said it was fantastic to see so many women taking part in the event.

She said: "We had 2,024 people sign up for today.

"It has been really good and the atmosphere has been great.

"The weather has also held off for us and the event seems to have gone smoothly."

Miss Meikle added that she hoped the Newbury event would raise about £160,000 for Cancer Research UK to support the work of scientists, doctors and nurses who are dedicated to beating cancer.

Log back on tomorrow (Monday) to Newburytoday.co.uk for a gallery of photos from the event.

For more coverage and pictures from the event, see this Thursday's Newbury Weekly News.