A SEA of pink shimmered in sizzling temperatures as more than 3,000 women took part in the Race for Life at Nowton Park on Sunday.

The course close to Bury St Edmunds needed two start times on Sunday to accommodate the huge numbers of pink clad women that took part in the charity race to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Gemma Turtin, event manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “In total we had 3,700 women racing which is unbelievable and totally fantastic. There have been some great efforts on the fundraising and we expect to raise about �225,000 in total.”

Many raced on the day to honour friends and family who have died of cancer with their names emblazoned on their running tops.

Extra water was shipped in to deal with the hottest day of the year and to ensure everyone completed the 5km course through the park.

Mrs Turtin added: “This has become such a brilliant event and gets bigger and better every time we hold it. The dedication shown by these women, many who have been directly affected by cancer and lots that haven’t but know how important our work is, is just phenomenal.

“It would have been easier to sit in the garden today in this weather but just look at the turn-out. Every one of them is a star.”

All money raised from the race and similar ones across the country will be donated to Cancer Research UK’s efforts to find a cure and support people and families suffering with cancer.

For more information go to www.raceforlife.org