PLACES for this year's Basingstoke Race for Life are filling up fast.

Mums, daughters, friends and sisters have been bombarding the registration hotline and website eager to take part in the annual 5km event. So far, 1,468 women have signed up, with entries continuing to pour in.

With a maximum of 5,500 places available, those wishing to join in the fun are being encouraged to do so as soon as possible - before it's too late.

The sixth Basingstoke Race for Life, supported by Tesco and Gazette Newspapers, takes place at the Down Grange sports complex on Wednesday, June 22, at 7.30pm.

It is one of 162 women-only sponsored walks, jogs or runs taking place across the UK this summer.

Karina Morgan, the race organiser for Basingstoke, said: "We are thrilled with the level of entries we have received so far and would urge anyone thinking of taking part to sign up today.

"The event filled last year around two weeks before registration ended, so early entry is essential to avoid disappointment."

Last year, 5,590 women took part in the Basingstoke Race for Life. Together, they raised more than £223,000 for Cancer Research UK, contributing to a fundraising total of £21million. This year, the charity is hoping to top that figure with a target of £225,000.

Every penny raised is used to help fund Cancer Research UK's vital work in the treatment and prevention of cancer - a disease that affects one in three women. The latest figures show that more than 36,000 people in the South East alone are diagnosed with cancer every year.

To sign up for Race for Life, call the hotline on 08705 134 314 or log on to www.raceforlife.org

Men are also being urged to support the event by way of volunteering, such as handing out water and medals on the day.

Anyone interested in helping is asked to contact karina.morgan@cancer.org.uk

First published: Wednesday, April 6, 2005