THE skies might have been grey this morning, but that didn’t stop 2,000 women from getting up bright and early and strapping on their running shoes.

The second of this weekend’s Race for Life events was held this morning, with Worcester Racecourse again a sea of pink as women of all ages got together for the popular Cancer Research UK fundraising event.

Participants had the option to take part in a 5km route around the racecourse or a 10km route, taking them through the picturesque Gheluvelt Park.

Breast cancer survivor Ann Ryland took part in today’s event along with her eight-year-old granddaughter Grace and spoke to the crowds before they set off.

“In May 2012 I found a lump while I was showing but I didn’t think anything of it,” she said.

“I went on holiday and when I came back l I went to my GP and he said it was breast cancer.

“But I’m ok now and this is my third Race for Life.”

Cancer Research UK’s senior events manager for Worcestershire Kelly Rumble said she was delighted by how well Saturday’s event had gone.

“Everyone came over the finish line with smiling faces, even though they were absolutely covered in mud,” she said.

“It was really, really successful and we hope we can do it again next year.”

She added it was hoped Sunday’s event would raise about £204,000 for the charity.

“The wording ‘you’re making a difference’ is often said but everyone really, really really is making a difference,” she said.

Both events also saw a range of businesses and organisations from Worcester and further afield lending their support, including Avant Garde hair salon in St Martin’s Quarter on hand this morning offering to add a pink streak to the hair of anyone taking part for free.

For more pictures from both of this weekend’s Race for Life events see tomorrow’s Worcester News.

  • Click here for lots more Race For Life 2015 pictures