TOMORROW a formidable army of women will make a stand against cancer at the Race for Life around Gloucester city centre.
In total, 1,700 ladies have registered to take part, including cancer survivors and people running and walking in memory of their loved ones.
Kelly Rumble, Race for Life event manager, said: "I feel so proud and grateful to everyone who is taking part in Race for Life in Gloucester, and to all the family, friends and colleagues who are supporting them.
"What better way to fight back against cancer and show it who's boss than by raising funds to beat the disease. Cancer, Gloucester is coming to get you."
Organisers hope participants will raise £80,000. Last year, 1,418 women took part in Race for Life in Gloucester and raised £72,429.
There will be road closures from 9am-noon as the course goes around the city's streets, Docks and Cathedral – all starting at Gloucester Park, with support on hand from police too.
Among the participants will be plucky grandmother Liz Pritchard, taking part for the 11th year running.
The 70-year-old retired teacher, from Newnham, has clocked up hundreds of miles pounding the pavements near her Church Road home and has raised £1,655 for Cancer Research UK over the past decade.
"I would never run anywhere except for a bus before a friend approached me and persuaded me to take part in the charity event back in 2003," said Liz, who is chairman of the Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra.
Her 10 medals for completing the 5k Race for Life are hung from the bannisters of Liz's home.
And she has seven spare rails to fill.
"I had a friend who died from cancer and this is what makes the event poignant for me. The race itself has a fantastic atmosphere – it's an inspirational event," she said.
