Race for Life: Two false starts and we're away!

A flurry of pink wigs, feather boas and tutus brightened up Western Park at the weekend as thousands of women took part in this year's Race for Life.

More than 12,000 runners were expected to take part in the annual event which sees mums, daughters and grandmas dress in brightly-coloured sportswear and complete a 5k or 10k run.

The race was twice postponed in June and July because of heavy rain.

The two-day fund-raiser was aimed at collecting thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.

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Most of the participants had been affected by cancer in some way and many wore the names of loved ones on their t-shirts and tracksuits as they completed the course.

PJ Griffin-Chadd, 58, from Narborough, was one of three members of the Saffron Lane Weight Watchers group who had come to show support and raise some cash.

She said: "My nephew Rick has gone through radiotherapy and chemotherapy for a brain tumour and bowel cancer – and he's only 25.

"He had his first course of treatment when he was nine, so I wanted to show my support for all the people and organisations which help sufferers like Rick."

Her friend, Anne Harrison, 50, from Saffron Lane, had raised £50.

She said: "It's nice that we're doing this as a group.

"There are a lot of people here who have been affected by cancer and everyone getting together to show support is lovely."

The two-day event incorporated three races – a 10k run on Saturday morning and a 5k run in the afternoon and a second 5k circuit yesterday.

For each of the races, the swarms of pink participants gathered at the start line, near the Glenfield Road entrance to Western Park.

They were entertained by music from a giant stage and downed cups of coffee and bagels before the official countdown began and the vibrant hoard ran, jogged and walked their around the circuit.

Runner Seema Patel, 23, from Belgrave, said: "This is our first time and it's such a great atmosphere – everyone is really excited and upbeat.

"There's actually a lot to do before the race too, I didn't realise there'd be all the music and entertainment and food."

Her friend, Satinder Rai, 36, from Scraptoft, said: "We've raised more than £1,000 so far. I've been bugging all our friends and families to sponsor and they've all done a great job, I want to say a big thank-you to everyone who's given us money."

Three friends Nicola Wright, Sue Stray and Ali Hastings had raised about £200 between them.

Nicola, 36, from Kibworth, said: "I think we're like most people here and we're running in memory of people who have died.

"We all know someone who's been affected by cancer and getting together to support each other is really nice.

"Most people have got photos or the names of loved ones on their T-shirts so you can see how much it means to people."

Sue, 39, from Market Harborough, said: "We're going to run it – we may be slow but we're determined to do the whole thing. We all know people who have been affected by cancer so it's just nice to raise a bit of money."

Ali, 39, from West Langton, said: "This is my 10th year or so, it's just nice to remember those people who aren't with us any more."