DESPITE the slightly gloomy weather forecasts the sun shone down on the women taking part in Maidstone’s Race for Life.

Four thousand women ran, jogged or walked the 5k course around Mote Park aiming to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Some were running in memory of a friend or loved one, others in celebration of the battle against cancer being won, but all were determined to do their best.

This is the ninth year Maidstone has staged a Race for Life and this year Cancer Research UK is hoping the event will raise more than £265,000 contributing to a total of £23million from races around the country.

There was a friendly atmosphere in the park as team members in matching T-shirts rubbed shoulders with dedicated runners and those taking part for the very first time as they waited for the event to start while families took advantage of the sunny weather to picnic in the park or play games.

After an aerobic warm up led by Andi Farrelly and Jane Salida from Maidstone Leisure Centre and a minutes silence to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, it was time to begin.

Just after 11am, watched by the many supporters who had come to cheer them on, the first of the runners took off followed by women who had decided to take a slightly slower pace.

The fastest person completed the course in around 25 minutes but women were still streaming in an hour after the start.

Race organiser Rachel Wicks said: "Everything went really smoothly and it was a great day. I think it was possibly the best Race for Life ever in Maidstone.

"I had a lot of people coming up to me during the event saying what a good time they had which is fantastic to hear.

"It takes a lot of planning to put this on but really it is the women who take part who make the day such a success so a big thank you to all of them.

"Now all we need is for them to remember to hand in their sponsor money!"

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