12:30pm Sunday 5th July 2009
By Jeremy Grimaldi
THOUSANDS of women are gearing up for Swindon’s largest women-only event.
And organisers of the Race for Life fundraising event said anyone looking to get involved in the July 11 and 12 event should make sure they sign up so they do not miss out.
Natasha Russell, Swindon events manager for the Cancer Research charity which hosts the race at Lydiard Park, said the number of people already signed had already surpassed last year’s total of 4,534.
She said: “Saturday already has 2,300 people signed up and Sunday has 2,700 – 3,500 is the maximum possible for each day.
“We hope that everyone will accept our invitation to do something amazing by taking part in Race for Life.
“Women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes join in – they motivate and inspire each other to complete the 5km course.
“Many simply walk round, chatting and having fun but they all share the wonderful spirit of sisterhood and pride on the day.
“Women enjoy this event. It’s so popular because it makes everyone in attendance feel good – it’s a real party atmosphere.
“We have been happy with the number of people signing up so far this year, the only way we can explain it is that this year’s event is a month later than last year, so there has been more chance to market the event.”
The 10th annual event involves a 5km walk, jog or run through the Lydiard Tregoze park and last year 4,534 people took part over the two days in Swindon.
Natasha added: “Everyone is welcome to this event, regardless of age, ability, the whole idea is that the Race for Life is completely inclusive – we have everyone from babies to grandmothers taking part.
“The two days of the race are a coming together of all females in a common aim. This is a special event for a disease which touches one in three people.
”Our aim is to raise £270,000 worth of funds in order to beat last years totals of £268,407.”
The event begins at 11am but organisers are inviting all participants to arrive at 10am. Out of the 29 events running in the south west only five, including Swindon, are not currently at full capacity.
Anyone interested in signing up to the Adver-sponsored event is asked to visit www.raceforlife.org or ring the organisers on 0871 641 2282.
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