ONLY half the number of women needed to sign up for the three Race for Life events in Swindon have so far done so.

Cancer Research UK are hoping that 7,000 women in the town would sign up for the two 5ks and one 10k races, but to date only 3,200 participants have agreed to take part.

“Race for Life is not a competitive event. It’s about women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels coming together to ‘join the girls’ and help beat cancer.''

- Karina Walker, events manager at Cancer Research UK The figure of 7,000 women would mean that the charity would hit it’s fundraising target of £480,816 for the area.

Last year, more than 4,600 women walked, jogged or ran Race for Life in Swindon and raised an incredible £240,000.

For the first time ever, there will be two races held in Swindon as early as May and a following race in July.

The 10k will take place on May 21 at 10am in Lydiard Park, followed by a 5k the following day at 11am, also in Lydiard Park.

A further 5k race will then be held on July 20 at 7pm, again at the park.

Karina Walker, events manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Race for Life is not a competitive event. It’s about women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels coming together to ‘join the girls’ and help beat cancer.

“They can walk, jog or run the 5k or 10k course and revel in Race for Life’s unique atmosphere of sisterhood.

“Many women are put off entering Race for Life because they think they won’t be able to complete it but we know that women often cover several kilometres on an average shopping trip, without even realising it, so taking part in Race for Life is definitely achievable.”

To help women get ready for the Swindon event, there are free training plans for different levels of ability on the Race for Life website.

The six-week training plans are designed for walkers, joggers or runners.

They feature guidance on warming up and stretching, as well as motivation.

Karina added: “We are doing it a bit different this year by holding an evening 5k event.

“It is a really popular event here in Swindon and we just want to give women the option of taking part in the evening.

“We are hoping that over 9,000 women in Swindon will sign up to take part this year.”

The events take place at Lydiard Park, on Saturday, May 21, Sunday, May 22 and Wednesday, July 20. To enter visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.