BY THE spring, New Year resolutions about losing weight and getting fit have usually been put to one side. But Cancer Research UK is offering women just the incentive they need to get in training.

Race for Life, sponsored by Tesco, brings together thousands of women across the county and the country in a bid to raise money for cancer research as well as improving their fitness.

Last year more than 400,000 women took part in races around Britain collecting more than £21million. In the Maidstone area alone, the 4,000 people who took part in 2003 raised £252,000 for the charity.

This year there are a number of places in the county to test your fitness and raise funds for a good cause.

For the ninth year running, a race will take place in Mote Park, Maidstone. It will be open to 4,000 women. For the very first time this year, 1,500 women will be able to take part in a run around the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood.

The Kent Messenger Group will, once again, be supporting the races.

Organisers hope participants in the Paddock Wood area will rise to the challenge of raising £46,000 in addition to the money raised from the Mote Park event.

The courses, which are five kilometres long, can be walked or run and the event is open to people of any fitness although some training beforehand is recommended.

Race organiser Rachel Wicks said: "Every single woman who takes part in and raises funds through Race for Life makes an invaluable contribution in the fight against cancer.

"Huge advances have been made in cancer research since Race for Life began in 1994 due in part to the £70 million that the past events have raised. We encourage women to take part and remember that it is the money they raise not the time they complete the course in which is important."

The Mote Park race takes place on Sunday, May 15, and the Paddock Wood event a week later on Sunday, May 22.

The event comes to Thanet for the first time this year. It will be will be staged at Quex House in Birchington on Sunday, June 26.

The organisers hope that around 1,000 competitors will be on the start line and that the Thanet event will raise £60,000.

Places for the events fill up very quickly so remember to register as soon as possible.

To enter visit www.raceforlife.org or call 08705 134 314.