ABOUT 8,500 women are expected to take part in this year's Race for Life in Oxford.

The Race for Life is a women-only, 5km race, raising money and awareness for research into cancer.

In Oxford in 2006, a third race had to be laid on to cope with the huge demand for places.

And walkers and runners of all ages, many of whom wore photos of loved ones lost to cancer, raised £538,400 to fund work by the The Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre at Oxford's Churchill and John Radcliffe Hospitals.

The centre brings together many world-class scientists and doctors who are conducting fundamental research into the biology of cancer and translating this into new, targeted treatments for the disease.

This year, the three Oxford Race for Life events will be taking place over the weekend of Saturday, June 2, and Sunday, June 3, at Oxford University Parks.

It is hoped they will raise £641,000.

On Sunday, June 24, a further race will take place in the grounds of Heythrop Park Hotel, near Chipping Norton.

Organisers of this event hope to top the £154,000 raised in 2006.

Rosannah Dawood, organiser of Oxford Race for Life, said: "This is the ninth year of Race for Life in Oxford.

"Last year's event had an unforgettable atmosphere and was a great success.

"Among our runners are women who are suffering from cancer, or have beaten cancer, and many who have lost loved ones to the disease.

"I'd really urge every woman to take part as it's such an inspiring day and the money raised really does make an invaluable contribution to beating cancer."

People interested in the chance to wear the number one bib in Oxford's Race for Life this year are invited to write and tell us why they are taking part.

We would also like to hear from people whose relatives are taking part, and have a special story to tell.

Cancer Research UK will then choose someone who has submitted a story to start the race wearing the number one vest. Contact Debbie Waite by emailing debbie.waite@nqo.com or by calling 01865 425428.

Registration for Race for Life is now open.

For more information, or to enter, log on to www.raceforlife.org or call the hotline on 08705 134 314.