MORE than 4,600 women took part in the first Cancer Research UK Race for Life in the region this year.

The Sunderland Race for Life was held yesterday in Herrington Country Park, on the outskirts of the city.

Cancer Research UK-funded researcher Huw Thomas, who is senior research associate in the drug development group at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research, part of Newcastle University, set the runners on their way.

Race for Life is the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event where participants of all ages and fitness levels walk, jog, or run 5km to raise money for research into the disease.

The Sunderland entrants will be part of a total of 680,000 women from across the country expected to take part at more than 230 events between now and July. The charity hopes they will raise a total of £60m.

Event manager Holly Howey said: “We are delighted so many women responded to our invitation to join us at Race for Life again this year.

“The Sunderland event is always a brilliant experience, with local women coming together to make a positive difference to the lives of people touched by cancer.”

Race for Life events are planned for Sunday in Gateshead and in Middlesbrough, on June 19 and 20. The Newcastle event, on July 12, is full, but places are available at others, including in Durham, on July 5, Darlington, on June 14, and Hartlepool, on June 7.

For further information, visit raceforlife.org