Run for your lives

10:12am Monday 30th June 2008

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POOLE Park was turned pink once more on Sunday as it hosted its second Race for Life of the summer.

Almost 1,800 runners, most emblazoned in the race's famous bright colours, tackled the 5km course to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Sizzling temperatures were not enough to prevent pink cowboy hats and wigs being sported, with other women plumping for tutus or angel wings.

Many of the runners sported the names of loved ones proudly on their backs as they ran.

Hannah White, area race organiser for the Race for Life, said they hoped Sunday's race alone would raise more than £120,000 for the charity.

She said: "This is the 15th year of the Race for Life and it has just grown and grown over the years. Around three-quarters of a million ladies will take part in the race across the country this year, which is just phenomenal, and we're hoping to raise £50m in total."

A carnival atmosphere was created as the runners - from toddlers all the way up to ladies in their 70s - poured into Poole Park. Athletes enjoyed a high-octane group warm-up before the air horn sent them on their way around the park at 11am.

Ms White said: "It is a fantastic event which lots of women do year after year.

"There is a real sense of achievement and it's also a very emotional day for some."

Sunday's race took the total number of entrants in Poole this year to almost 4,000, with around 6,500 taking part in Bournemouth's Race for Life last weekend.

Click here for full list of runners