THOUSANDS of girls and women will be descending on Bournemouth seafront on Sunday to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Organisers are hoping 2012 will be a bumper year raising much-needed funds for their vital life-saving research into 200 different cancers helping men, women and children across Dorset survive.

There will be three events this weekend – a 5km race at 11am and a 5km and 10km race at 2.30pm – all starting and finishing at Bournemouth Pier.

Race organiser Rachel White said participants were encouraged to arrive at least an hour before their race to ensure they can find a place to park.

There will be plenty of volunteers and supports along the route encouraging walkers and runners, Samba Panasche will also be entertaining people on the course.

Cancer Research UK will also be setting up a number of donation station points on the seafront where people can bring their unwanted quality clothing, accessories, homeware, books, CDs and DVDS.

The charity will use the items to sell in their Cancer Research UK charity shops and says each bag can raise around £30.

Undercliff Drive will be closed on Sunday during the Race for Life events as will the Boscombe Pier roundabout.

Rachel said: “We are proud that so many women in Dorset want to help us in the fight against cancer. Now I would like to urge all those taking part in the Bournemouth Race for Life on Sunday to make that final push for sponsorship to help us continue with our great work.”

EIGHT-PAGE SOUVENIR SPECIAL IN YOUR ECHO

DON’T forget to pick up a copy of the Daily Echo on Monday for an eight-page Race for Life supplement featuring the names of all those taking part and pictures from the day.