Colchester was a sea of pink as thousands of runners raced to raise money for a cancer charity.

The Race for Life was held in the town’s Lower Castle Park today with women fundraising for Cancer Research UK running, jogging or walking around a 5km course yesterday.

Around 3,000 women, of all ages, shouted “cancer, we’re coming to get you” as they took part in the annual event with many donning fancy dress, tutus, fairy wings and feather boas.

Many of those running had a personal connection with the disease, either having recovered from it themselves or knowing people who had suffered from it.

The participants enjoyed a mass warm-up with loud music, aerobic dance moves and stretches before moving over to the start line.

The runners set off in two waves with the first race setting off at 11am and the next taking place at 2pm.

Despite the muggy temperatures and threat of thunderstorms, spirits were high among the runners as they made their way around the course to help beat cancer.

Last year, 2,826 women took part in the event at Castle Park and raised £157,752 for Cancer Research UK.