A SEA of pink will once again wash over Southampton this weekend as thousands of women and girls unite in the battle to beat cancer sooner.

Thousands of ladies have already signed up to get down and dirty at Pretty Muddy or are limbering up for the 5km or 10km Race for Life runs.

Last year saw 6,000 participants take part across all three action-packed events, raising in the region of £500,000 for Cancer Research UK.

This year the charity, in partnership with Tesco, is looking forward to welcoming the pink army back to Southampton Common, united in their aim of hitting cancer where it hurts.

Women of all ages, shapes and sizes will be donning their trainers, and no doubt their fancy dress, for the weekend of fundraising fun which has become a highlight in the charity calendar.

The Pretty Muddy event kicks things off on Saturday and involves willing participants being splattered by mud-slinging volunteers as they negotiate their way through a series of obstacles.

Those taking part will set off in waves throughout the morning, taking on spacehoppers and crawling under muddy nets before completing the 5k course by sliding into a large pool of muddy water.

On Sunday the traditional Race for Life 5k and 10k events will see road closures along The Avenue to allow the thousands of runners, joggers and walkers to make their way around the course, all the while being cheered on by supporters.

For the first time, this year both races will begin at the same time, crossing the start line at 10am following a mass warm up in front of the main stage.

Both events hope to raise essential funds to pay for vital research that will lead to the discovery and development of better, kinder treatments for those battling cancer.

Last year Cancer Research UK spent more than £6m on vital research happening in Southampton, where the charity has a dedicated centre and funds scientists and a team of specialist nurses.

Every day 130 people are diagnosed with cancer in the south east.

Georgina Horne, event manager for Race for Life in Southampton, said: “Everyone is welcome and it’s still not too late to enter. This is a call-out to remind the women of Southampton and the surrounding area just how important their participation and contribution is.

“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it is with the help of our supporters. Money raised from these events – whether it is £10 or £100 – will help Cancer Research scientists find new ways to treat cancer and save lives.”

Places are still available for all three events. Women can apply to take part in Pretty Muddy before registration closes on Thursday evening or sign up to either of the Race for Life runs before enrolment closes on Friday.

Sign up now by visiting raceforlife.org