CALLING all women. Now is the time to dust off your trainers and sign up for the Race For Life. The 5km run and walk will be held for the third year in Herne Bay on Sunday, July 14, raising money for Cancer Research UK.

The event is supported by the Kent Messenger Group and is one of 100 races being held around the country, all raising money for vital research into the cancers that affect one in three people in this country.

More than 1,700 people are expected to join the local race along the seafront at Hampton.

The event is exclusively for women and open to novices and serious runners, with backers including patron Sarah Greene, Philippa Forester and Arabella Weir.

Race organiser Liz Cummings said: "It's so exciting to be part of the third Canterbury Race for Life. The race has been capped at 1,700 so remember to get your entries in as this year there are no entries on the day.

"It is also very exciting to have Pfizer sponsoring the race this year. They have always been so supportive of the event."

The first Race for Life was nine years ago at Battersea Park in London. Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of £50 for Cancer Research UK, launched this year with the amalgamation of Imperial Cancer Research and the Cancer Research Campaign.

It is hoped all the races will make a total of £12m for research. The entry fee for runners is £7.50 (£4.50 for girls under 18).

Entries can be made by phoning 08705 134314, writing to Race For Life, PO Box 50, Crawley, RH10 9WA or at the webiste www.raceforlife.co.uk.

Forms are also available at Cancer Research UK shops, Tesco stores, leisure centres, libraries and GP surgeries.