More than 1,300 women already signed up for Race for Life

But organisers Cancer Research UK wants 8,000 more to make it one of the UK’s top Race For Life events.

Oxford’s three runs will be combined into one giant event for the first time this year on Sunday, June 26, at the University Parks.

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

The race will be recognisible to thousands of city residents as many of those who take part wear bright pink and wear signs with the names of loved ones who have died of cancer.

Organisers hope the single race will see 9,300 women on the start line at 10am and raise about £670,000 for research into the disease.

Area co-ordinator Becky Ryczowski said: “As usual, Oxford’s registration has got off to an amazing start with over 1,300 women signing up in just a few weeks.

“Now we want all the rest of the Race for Life regulars to come forward and sign up, and a whole lot of new participants too.

“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.

Race for Life participants run, walk or jog 5km.

Much of the money raised in the county is spent here on research, including studies under way at the Gray Institute for Radiation, Oncology and Biology, in Roosevelt Drive, Headington.

To enter, call 0871 641 1111 or visit raceforlife.org Oxfordshire’s other Race for Life event will take place at Broughton Castle, near Banbury, on Saturday, July 30, at 11am and 3pm.

• Are you taking part? Call us on 01865 425500.