ENERGETIC women in and around Basingstoke are being urged to put on their running shoes and pile on the miles for this year’s Race for Life charity fundraiser.

Thousands of runners, joggers and walkers have turned out every year since the major Tesco and Cancer Research UK event began in 2000.

Every metre run or walked means more money raised to support the work carried out by scientists, doctors and nurses in their battle against all forms of cancer.

Last year’s Basingstoke 5km event featured 2,986 participants and raised £162,894 for the charity, which is entirely funded by the public.

This year’s event will be held at Down Grange Sports Complex in Pack Lane, on Wednesday, June 20, at 7.30pm.

Race for Life area event manager Lea Blake said: “Although the weekend events we have held in previous years have been successful, we have switched back to a weekday this time to avoid any local traffic problems and also to encourage businesses in the area to get involved and send teams along after work in the evening”.

Last year, there should have been two events over the weekend, but the Saturday event was cancelled because of a lack of participants.

Until 2007, the event was held on a Wednesday, and attracted 5,500 participants.

Hundreds of women have already signed up for this year’s event since registration opened in January.

Lea added: “This year we hope that more than 2,700 ladies will take part, and our target is to raise at least £156,249.”

Those who wish to participate in the fun will need to pay a fee of £14.99 each.

They can do this by either registering their entry at , or by calling the information line on 0871 641 1111.

Parking will be available at the event but organisers advise participants to arrive an hour before the start time to avoid queuing.