WOMEN are being urged to get fit while having fun by joining this year's Race for Life.

The 5km event is held at venues throughout the region, and organisers are hoping this year will be another record-breaker.

Last year, 13,854 women took part in five North-East events -the most ever -and raised £711,206 for Cancer Research UK.

Due to the rising profile and popularity of the women-only event, a Race for Life will be staged at Maiden Castle, in Durham, this year for the first time.

An extra date has been added for the event at Middlesbrough's Ormesby Hall.

Regional organiser Janet Cooper said: "Last year's events had an unforgettable atmosphere and were incredibly inspiring. The races filled up in record time.

"We hope that everyone will get behind the event again this year, whether by taking part and raising money or coming down on the day to volunteer."

Race for Life events will take place at:

* Harrogate -Great Yorkshire Showground on Wed-nesday, May 10, at 7.30pm.

* Sunderland -Herrington Country Park on Sunday, May 14,at 11am.

* Gateshead -Saltwell Park on Sunday, May 21,at 11am.

* Newcastle Racecourse on Sunday, June 4, at 11am.

* Darlington -South Park on Sunday, June 11, at 11am.

* Scarborough -Olivers Mount on Sunday, June 18, at 11am.

* Middlesbrough -Ormesby Hall on Friday, June 23, at 7.30pm, and Saturday, June 24, at 10.30am.

* York Racecourse on Wednesday, June 28, at 2pm and 7.30pm.

* Durham -Maiden Castle Sports Centre on Sunday, July 2, at 10.30am and 3pm.

* Thirsk Racecourse on Sunday, July 9, at 11am.

To join in, go to www.race forlife.org or call 0870 513 4314.