TWO major Oxford races in aid of cancer research will be combined in a bid to attract almost 10,000 women runners this year.

The Race For Life will be held on Sunday, June 26, at the University Parks, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Last year’s races, on June 5 and 6, saw 6,342 women take part, raising £363,555.

Now organisers hope the single race will see 9,300 women on the start line at 10am and raise about £670,000.

Area co-ordinator Becky Ryczowski said: “Oxford is already a flagship Race for Life event in its region, which stretches right across the Home Counties, but we’re so excited by the prospect of seeing so many thousands of women coming together in the city on one fabulous day.

“Oxford’s Race for Life always attracts so many women and girls, from so many walks of life, who all come together to make a difference to people affected by cancer.”

The charity wants Oxford’s race to match those in Sheffield, which attracts 12,000 runners, and Blackheath in London, which has 13,000 runners.

Oxfordshire’s other Race for Life event this year will take place at Broughton Castle, near Banbury, on Saturday, July 30, with races at 11am and 3pm.

Much of the money raised in the county is spent here on research, including studies under way at the Gray Institute of radiation, oncology and biology, in Roosevelt Drive, Headington.

Tracey Courtnell, 46, from Wantage, ran in Oxford last year after undergoing cancer treatment in 2009. She said: “I haven’t registered yet but if I’m free, I will definitely be running.

“About six of us ran it last year and then we all went round a friend’s house for a barbecue afterwards. It’s such a fun day.”

She added: “I think people should do it, because it raises money for cancer research and we all know somebody who has been affected by cancer.

“Luckily, most of us also know somebody who has survived cancer, so it’s important to raise as much for future effective treatments as possible.”

Are you running the Race for Life in Oxford or at Broughton Castle? Tell us your story on 01865 425500 or email us at the address below.

To register to take part, see raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111