Thousands of women pulled on their running shoes today to help raise money for the fight against cancer.
Prestwold Hall, near Loughborough, was awash with pink as fund-raisers, many in fancy dress, took to the course.
They included Odette Newman, who has four special reasons for running five kilometres across fields in Leicestershire.
The 52-year-old lost her mother, her father and her sister to cancer and has fought her own battle with the disease.
Odette, who was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago but is now in remission, was among the 2,200 women who took part in the event.
Every one had their own special reasons for participating in the women-only charity event.
Odette, from Woodhouse Eaves, was dressed as a princess and ran with a group of friends.
She said: "I have been doing Race for Life events for 12 years now and I would not want to miss one.
"I have lost my mum, Doreen, my dad, John, and my sister, Janet, to cancer.
"The disease had a go at me but I managed to fight it off and am in remission.
"I want to do my best to raise as much money as possible so we can perhaps one day beat this horrible disease. It has taken a very heavy toll on my family. Taking part today is part of me fighting back."
Thousands of women congregated at Prestwold Hall to tackle either the 5km or 10km route, both of which were non-competitive.
Personal trainers took to a stage to warm up the participants before a moment's silence was held to remember all those who had lost their lives to cancer.
Michelle Veneziale, personnel manager at Tesco Extra, in Loughborough, had managed to persuade 27 members of staff to join her on the walk.
The 43-year-old, from Ibstock, said: "I guess I am being a bit bossy but it's being bossy for a good cause.
"We're all here together to support each other and try to help beat cancer."
Michelle was joined on the 5km route by her 12-year-old niece, Bethany Hall.
Bethany, of Coalville, said: "I'm here with my auntie to raise money in the name of my granddad, who died of lymphatic cancer 10 years ago."
Mother and daughter Trena Ball and Mary Foster were tackling the 5km walk to remember loved ones.
Mary, of Shepshed, said: "I lost my husband Peter - Trena's dad - to cancer 16 years ago. It still hurts now.
"I'm doing this for him."
Trena, 37, of Coalville, said: "I lost my dad and my cousin, Paul Foster, who was only 16 when he died of bone cancer.
"I'm here to support mum and to raise funds for a worthwhile cause."
Rachel Marsh, 25, from Thorpe Astley, said she was taking part after her boyfriend, Adrian Smith, was diagnosed with bone cancer three years ago.
She said: "Luckily, he's remission now but it's made us want to help this cause."
Friends Kajal Chavda and Vanda Mistry tackled the 5km route.
Vanda, 27, of Evington, Leicester, said: "This is great event and we wanted to do our bit to support it."
Kajal, 24, of Highfields, Leicester, said: "I am here for every person who has ever died of cancer. It's a fabulous cause and my way of trying to help."
Katie Martin, Cancer Research UK's Race for Life event organiser for the Midlands, said she was delighted with the turnout.
Katie, who lost both of her grandmothers to cancer, said: "This means a lot to me, but then again it means a lot to every woman out there.
"It is our way of fighting back against cancer."
The estimated amount of money the event has raised is still being calculated.• Do not miss our gallery of scores of Race for Life photos which will be available to view on our website tomorrow.
Can you spot yourself? Women warm up for Race for Life Loughborough today.
