Race for Life in Inverness declared a success

Race for Life participants Kayleigh Ritchie, Sarah Attenborough and Christina Roberts

THOUSANDS of women descended on Inverness yesterday (Sunday) to take part in the annual Race for Life fundraiser.

A total of 3,220 women walked, jogged or ran the 5k route from Bught Park.

Hosted by Tesco and Cancer Research UK, Race for Life is the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event series, where all the money raised goes to fund Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

This year’s fundraising target is £250,000 and although it is too early to know how much has been raised, event organisers declared the race a huge success.

Carolyn Johnston, area event manager, said: "There were 3,220 women taking part as well as a lot of spectators. The weather was nice and although there was a couple of sharp bursts of rain, it didn’t put people off making it to the finishing line. The feedback on the finishing line was that people had really enjoyed the event.

"Among the participants were hen parties who decided to spend their weekend at Race for Life, people celebrating birthdays, and even lots of children and dogs taking part! People came from far and wide, which is not only great for us but also for the local economy and gives us lots to think about to make next year even bigger and better."

She admitted there were issues of overcrowding on weight-restricted suspension bridges over the River Ness at the Islands.

She explained: "There was only 25 people allowed on the bridges at any one time so there was a bit of queue where people had to hold back until it was safe to cross. That is something we have taken on board and will think about for next year. There are measures we can put in place to deal with that."

Last year, £248,000 was raised at the event, which exceeded the target of £224,000.

The Race for Life in Inverness is one of 300 events held all over the country by Tesco and Cancer Research UK from May to July.