IN two months time 10,000 women and their supporters are expected to converge on Southampton Common for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

And it’s not just the runners who are in training.

Behind every Race for Life is a team of hardworking men and women, employed on the day of the race to ensure the smooth running of what has become the largest all-female fundraiser series in the UK.

Lordshill Recreation Ground was transformed into a mock race day recently as staff from across the south were trained up for the important role of event assistant.

Eighteen members of staff took part in the simulation in preparation for events across the south including Southampton, Winchester and the Isle of Wight.

Their tasks included setting up a 5k race course with distance markers, erecting marquees and learning how to manage thousands of participants on race day.

Every Race for Life has two event assistants, supporting an event manager and overseeing a band of volunteers.

In Southampton – one of the largest Race for Life events in the country – the assistants will have their work cut out, setting up the ground, herding 10,000 women to the start line and manning the finishing post.

They will also be managing a 60-strong team of volunteers who play a vital role on race day: marshalling the route, handing out goody bags at the finish and dealing with participant queries throughout the day.

Student Zoe Griffiths, from Fair Oak, is assisting at seven races this summer, including the 12,000 capacity Southampton event.

“I’m studying sports management at university so this is good experience for me,” she said.

“My grandparents have been affected by cancer so Race for Life is a cause I really believe in. I want to make sure every participant enjoys themselves on the day and I’m looking forward to meeting all the different people and hearing their inspirational reasons for taking part.”

Zoe will be joined by financial administrator Jenna Solanki.

“Race for Life is a women only event which makes it extra special,” said Jenna, 23.

“It’s great to see thousands of women joining in solidarity to achieve something together.”

For event manager Hannah White the assistants are crucial.

“They really are our left and right hands,” she said. “They take on areas of responsibility that an event manager just can’t manage all in one day.”

Six thousand women have registered for this year’s Race for Life on Southampton Common.

If 10,000 women take part in the Southampton race this year, the city could raise an incredible £590,000 to fund Cancer Research UK’s work.

To enter, visit raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 2282.