SOUTHAMPTON Common was a sea of pink over the weekend as thousands of runners gathered to take part in the Cancer Research UK race for life.

The Southampton route was a double lap of 5km, taking runners along the tree-lined paths of the Common and down The Avenue.

Runners of all ages made their way around the circuit on Sunday morning with buggies and dogs even taking part.

Laura Mckenzie, 32, from Swaythling said: “I have run the race every year since 2004. I have known several people who have battled cancer. It is a good event and there is a lovely feel to it. I run a lot and this my second run today, I have already run the Southampton Airport Runway Run this morning.”

The event began after a ten-second countdown, with runners and joggers starting ahead of those who were happy to walk the course. There were a variety of refreshments, as well as entertainment from the event’s radio partner, Heart FM.

Keith Whitaker, 70, from Fareham said: “My daughter ran the event in Winchester a few weeks ago, so I thought why not give it a go. So far I have raised £50 and am hoping to complete the race in less than one hour. I have already run the Vitality 10K in London this year.”

On Saturday hundreds of children set off on the city’s second ever Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids event.

The youngsters tackled a muddy obstacle course in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.

It was followed by the Pretty Muddy run, which saw hundreds of women tackle the course.