Why not join the girls this summer for Race for Life, the UK’s biggest female-only fundraising event, and raise money to help Cancer Research UK in their life saving work.

Now in its 18th year, Race for Life has raised an astonishing £362,000,000 since it started. This phenomenal sum has enabled 4,000 doctors, nurses and researchers to help people beat cancer through research including drug development and trials and investigations into the risks and causes of cancer. Such developments have led to an approximate 16% drop in the death rate from cancer since Race for Life began in Battersea Park back in 1994.

Well over 5 million women of all shapes, sizes, fitness levels and ages have taken part in the race over the years and 2011 promises to be the biggest Race for Life yet, as Tesco celebrate 10 years supporting the cause. Between them, Cancer Research UK and Tesco aim to gather 1 million women in 300 events throughout the UK to raise a ground breaking sum for the world’s largest charity dedicated to beating cancer through research.

Many of the events are 5K but there are also a few 10K races dotted around the country, too. Anyone who’s ever joined in will know that the atmosphere is electric, from the moment you get there and the music pipes up. A massive amount of fun is had by all and no matter if you run, jog or walk, you can be sure you’ll be encouraged every step of the way.

Lots of women are inspired to take part following their own or a loved one’s experience with cancer, others are simply keen to do their bit to help raise money to help beat cancer.

Walk, jog or run, 5K or 10K – you choose

Whether you’re taking part in a 5K or 10K, walking, jogging or running, are an absolute beginner looking to improve your fitness gradually, a jogging enthusiast wanting to build your distance or a keen runner looking to better your race time, Race for Life have compiled some useful training guides in preparation for the big day.

Race for Life events will take place on various dates in the summer and you can find out when and where your nearest race is, as well as the training guides and all the info you need on the Race for Life website : http://www.raceforlife.org/

So, what are you waiting for? Go on – gather the girls and go!