THREE thousand women, including cancer survivors and women running in memory or celebration of loved ones, pulled on their trainers for charity yesterday.

Together, the runners at Herrington Country Park, Sunderland, were aiming to raise £200,000 to support Cancer Research UK's research into the treatment, cure and prevention of cancer.

The 5km women-only event was the second in this year's Northern Race for Life calendar. On Wednesday, runners took part at the Great Yorkshire Showground, in Harrogate.

It is the fourth year that Cancer Research UK's Race for Life has taken place at Herrington County Park. Last year participants raised £154,000.

Regional Race for Life organiser Janet Cooper said: "The atmosphere at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life was amazing.

"Most women wore back-signs saying why they were taking part.

"Reading the signs is heart-breaking when you see how many people have lost loved ones to cancer, and inspiring when you see how many people have survived the disease."

The first across the line was PE teacher Vicki Booth, 36, who completed the course in 19min 54sec. Ms Booth, of Houghton Kepier School, in Sunderland, decided to run after two colleagues were diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, supported by Tesco, was open to women of all ages and levels of fitness.

Events in the region will be held at:

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

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

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

* Scarborough: Oliver's 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 enrol for the Race for Life, log on to www.raceforlife.org or call 0870 513 4314.

Training plans are at www. raceforlife.org/training