MORE than 3,000 people have signed up to Race for Life in Huddersfield.

Girls and women of all ages will be raising tens of thousands off pounds for charity in the events on July 3 and 4.

And organisers of the events at Leeds Road playing fields have now set up online advice to help runners prepare for the races.

Cancer Research UK officials hope to recruit another 2,700 Huddersfield women to get into step with Race for Life.

Imogen Johnson, Huddersfield event manager, said: “One-in-three people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives. But the good news is that more people are beating the disease than ever before.

“Cancer Research UK’s work is at the heart of that progress. By helping to raise money through Race for Life, our supporters are turning hope into reality.”

Last year, 5,446 women walked, jogged or ran Race for Life in Huddersfield and raised an incredible £288,000. This year, more than 3000 participants have already signed up and organisers are hoping that 5,700 women will help hit a fundraising target of £270,000

The money is crucial to fund Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. Cancer Research UK funds world-class research and clinical trials throughout Yorkshire.

Ms Johnson said: “Entering Race for Life is the ideal way for women of all ages, shapes and sizes to motivate themselves to become more active as they get ready to walk, jog or run the 5k route at Leeds Road Playing Fields.

“Becoming more active has benefits that will go on well after the event, as research shows that even regular, moderate physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer.

“Race for Life is not a competitive event. It’s about women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels coming together to share amazing moments and help beat cancer. They can walk, jog or run the 5k course and revel in Race for Life’s unique atmosphere of sisterhood.”

To help women get ready for the Huddersfield Race for Life, Cancer Research UK has teamed up with celebrity fitness trainer Lucy Wyndham-Read and devised training plans for different levels of ability.

Free and easy to download from the Race for Life website, there are six-week training plans designed for walkers, joggers or runners. They feature guidance on warming up and stretching, as well as motivation.

To enter Race for Life, and download the free training plans, visit www.raceforlife.org. Women can also enter by calling 0871 641 1111.