WOMEN wanting to take part in this year's Race for Life in Southampton had better get their skates on as places are filling fast.

This time last year, 1,733 women had signed up for the 5km fundraising event on Southampton Common.

But this year a staggering 4,383 competitors have completed their entry forms already.

"Women who want to take part should enter as soon as possible as places are limited to 10,000 and they are filling rapidly," said race co-ordinator Karina Morgan.

The Southampton race is the largest single event in the country and last year's participants raised £495,000 for Cancer Research UK.

The city has been singled out for the honour of hosting a dedicated survivor marquee.

Many of the women taking part in Race for Life have been touched by cancer themselves - and Cancer Research UK wanted to recognise their commitment as often they are the best supporters and ambassadors.

"Inside the marquee there will be a message board where cancer survivors can write their own messages and stick them to the board. The artwork for the message board will be inspiring messages and stories from survivors which have been taken from the Race for Life message board," said Karina.

"The Survivor programme will be held at five races - Manchester, Carlisle, St Albans, Blackheath and Southampton - these races have been chosen for their large capacities."

Those who post messages will be given a Pink Survivor cap and a Race for Life hand waver.

Local survivor Joy Williams wrote this on the Race for Life on-line message board:

"Fifteen years ago my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a survivor and supports us all .

"In 1997 it was diagnosed from my first mammogram that I had breast cancer. I had the operation to have a lump taken away and spent my birthday in hospital. The nurses and staff tried to make me as comfortable as possible and even made me a cake with candles!!!

"I have received the all clear now and life's great! Since then the consultant advised that it is probable that it is hereditary - I have a lovely daughter and grandchild and want to do everything in my power to avoid the possibility of them going through the same trauma. Help all of us who are running, walking and jogging all over the country by either joining in or sponsoring as many as you can to make sure that a very positive message is spread and that finally (hopefully as soon as possible) the BIG C will disappear! It's fun - join in!"

For women in Southampton wanting to look stylish and raise money for charity, Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, supported by Tesco, is launching a pink wristband for the women-only event on Sunday, July 17. The wristbands, which have been introduced in part as a result of demand from supporters, will be available on the day at the Southampton Race for Life.

The wristband will be available for a suggested donation of a pound and provides women with another way to contribute to Cancer Research UK's life-saving research into preventing, treating and curing cancer. Over the course of the summer, they are expected to raise £200,000 from the 162 events taking place across the UK.

The wristbands allow women to show their support for the 5km fundraising events long after the race day has passed. It is also hoped that seeing them on the arms of women who have taken part will encourage others to enter and help reach this year's £23 million fundraising target.

Karina said: "We hope that the 10,000 women who are expected to take part in Race for Life in Southampton this year will be keen to sport the pink wristbands, which both look great and raise money to help cure cancer faster.

"Women in this area are always really enthusiastic about Race for Life, raising a fantastic £495,000 last year.

"These wristbands give women another opportunity to support the charity while also promoting Race for Life to potential participants."

To register for this year's race call 08705 134314 or go on-line to www.raceforlife.org

READER OFFER:

TO HELP you get into shape for this year's Race for Life event on Southampton Common, Living has teamed up with a Hampshire fitness expert to create our very own running club.

The first gathering will take place on Sunday, May 8, and thereafter we will get together for the following ten Sundays ahead of the big day on Sunday, July 17.

Tim Tavender, of Extrafit, will lead the sessions and he explained they are open to every woman who wants to get up to speed for the event.

"We want to encourage people who have never had a go before to come along. We will have groups for novices and for those who want to improve their speed," he said.

Joining a running group can help build your confidence and get you motivated ahead of tackling the 5km course, he said.

"This really is a great opportunity for woman who would like to have a go at running and haven't been able to up until now," he said.

Woman and Lifestyle editor Kate Thompson said: "It has been a dream of mine to start a Daily Echo running club to help women get to grips with tackling the course on Southampton Common. It's wonderful that Tim has come on board to offer the expertise and encouragement.

"Even if you haven't run before don't be shy - come along to the Common and join in the fun with the Daily Echo Running Club."

We will meet at 10.30am and the session will last until midday approximately. You need to wear comfortable clothing, trainers and bring some water.

There will be no charge but a donation will be collected each week for Cancer Research UK - and the money will be presented to race co-ordinator Karina Morgan on July 17.

To find out more and to book your place call Tim Tavender at Extrafit on 07739 93 6111.