This year’s Cancer Research UK Race for Life is on the move.

The all-female 5k race will be held in Rochester for the first time after wet weather affected last year’s event at Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham.

The event on Sunday, May 19, will start and finish in the Castle Gardens taking in the surrounding area including the High Street and The Vines.

Hayley Reynolds, the charity’s south east manager, said: “Please play your part by entering the Race for Life Rochester today.

"Together we can hit cancer where it hurts. There are 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all. It’s fighting talk and we mean every word we say.”

A total of 2,000 women and girls are needed to stride out to help raise £140,000 for vital research.

Hayley added: “Women of all shapes, sizes, ages and levels of fitness take part in the Race for Life. They come from different backgrounds and walks of life.”

The event at Capstone last year was hit by wet, muddy conditions in the main car park which led to it being partially closed and people forced to park elsewhere and walk to the start point.

Hayley said: “It did impact on the event, so we have decided not to rely on the British weather.”

Those who have lost loved ones to cancer will also have the chance to light a candle in the cathedral or tie a yellow ribbon to the cathedral railings and the catalpa tree outside.

The cathedral’s head verger Colin Tolhurst said they had re-scheduled services for the morning: “The cathedral eucharist will be at 9.30am instead of 10.30am. We would very much like to extend a warm invite to anyone competing or supporting the race to join us.”

To enter Rochester Race for Life go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.