THERE was a carnival atmosphere at Malvern's Race For Life at the Three Counties Showground on Wednesday.

More than 1,200 runners took part in the Cancer Research UK charity race and organisers are hoping to beat the £70,000 raised in Malvern last year.

Women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels gathered in the sunshine to take part in a race.

All sported not just their entry number but a pink label bearing the name of someone special. Some named friends, some said in memory of...', some stated that the runners were running for those still fighting', others simply said mum' or nan'.

Before the 5km race began, there was a warm-up with fitness instructors from Malvern's Attiva gym and Nivea provided male cheerleaders, like a boy band in blue lycra who got the crowd arm waving and dancing.

Susan Gill, the new chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, told the runners: "It's a marvellous credit to the community to see so many of you here."

She was taking part in the event with her colleagues, the Mighty Maples, from Maple Wing at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. She, like so many runners, had lost a friend to cancer only a few weeks ago.

Libby Handy, who is partially sighted, couldn't take part in the Worcester Race For Life last year because it was too hot for her Guide Dog. She was tackling the Malvern event with her friend Jackie Bell as a guide. The women, both members of Attiva, were just two of more than 40 Attiva staff and gym members taking part.

Four pupils from The Chase in Malvern ran the Race For Life in memory of their friend and fellow pupil Tammy Holmes, who died earlier this year. Ellie Myhill, who came second in the event, ran with Anna Bird, Sam Barker and Kate Knowles.

Thirteen members of Ledbury Comm-unity Choir took part in the event. Choir member Chris Sutcliffe, from Ledbury, got the five-year all-clear from breast cancer only last week. She was running with her sister Sue Jackson, from Bromyard.

"I ran last year and we'd agreed that this year we'd do it together," she said.

The Downs School, Colwall, had more than 70 runners, all in matching pink T-shirts, hoping to beat the £3,600 they raised last year. Director of studies Helen Utridge, who won the Race for Life in Worcester two years ago, was among the serious runners taking part and came in third place.

First place was Emily Merrick, from Ledbury, and second was Ellie Myhill, from Malvern.

This year's Race For Life was the second to be held in Malvern. It is one of hundreds of similar events being held all over the country. Cancer Research UK hope the events will raise in excess of £60 million.

More pictures at the Malvern Gazette photo gallery.