A CHARITY run has filled all of its places more than a month before it is due to take place - thanks to an overwhelming response from competitors.

Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, which is being held in Basingstoke in June, has managed to hit full capacity nearly six weeks before runners lace up their trainers.

A total of 5,550 women have signed up to take part in the special event, which is held to raise money to help the national charity with its research into the deadly disease.

The 5km fundraiser, which has been held in Basingstoke for the past six years, will take place at Down Grange Sports Complex, off Pack Lane, Kempshott, on June 22.

Karina Morgan, Basingstoke's race organiser, said: "Last year, we filled all the spaces up as well, but that wasn't until a couple of weeks before the race, so this year's early response is great.

"The support is excellent and we are really pleased by the enthusiasm.

"Race for Life is a chance for so many different women to come together. They can compete whatever their age.

"Women race with their daughters, mums and sisters, and they are all doing it for the same reason.

"One in three people have cancer at some point in their lives, so everyone knows someone who has been affected by it."

The run has been growing in popularity over the years and race organisers know more women would love to take part.

But Miss Morgan added: "Strict limits mean that we are not able to exceed race capacity because of the course and health and safety reasons.

"But we are looking for volunteers to help on the day, so if people still want to get involved they can.

"Now we are just encouraging people who are running to put all their efforts into raising as much sponsorship money as possible."

Cancer Research UK has organised 168 Tesco-backed Race for Life events throughout the UK between May and July and is hoping to raise a combined total of £23million nationwide.

Anyone who missed out in Basingstoke can still enter one of the other races and can go to www.raceforlife.org for a full list.

Supporters who are not taking part but would like to make a donation to the life-saving charity can do so through the website or by calling 08705 134 314.

Volunteers who want to help at the Basingstoke race should contact Miss Morgan on 01793 882621.

First published: Wednesday, May 18, 2005