THOUSANDS of women took to the streets of Cambridge on Sunday in searing heat to take part in the Race For Life 2009. According to organisers, 3,700 women walked, jogged or ran the 5k course in aid of Cancer Research and the event should raise around �240

THOUSANDS of women took to the streets of Cambridge on Sunday in searing heat to take part in the Race For Life 2009.

According to organisers, 3,700 women walked, jogged or ran the 5k course in aid of Cancer Research and the event should raise around �240,000 for the charity.

The winner of Sunday's race was Liz Fraser who completed the course in 17 minutes, 25 seconds.

A second Race For Life will be held in Cambridge next month as so many women entered the event.

Editor Debbie Davies, who was running her first Race For Life, said: I knew I could do the distance as I have been training for a few weeks, but I wasn't really prepared for the heat, which made it really tough going.

It was a fantastic day and that feeling you get when you cross the finishing line with people clapping and encouraging you is exhilarating. There were times in the day when I felt sad remembering why I was running - for my friend Rose who died of pancreatic cancer - and also seeing all the messages and photos on the backs of women who were running in memory of someone, but the event is also inspirational in that it gives you the chance to act and do something positive to beat cancer.