Women ran 10,000km around Colchester to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

In all 2,000 women - the maximum number allowed to participate - went the 5km distance in the Race for Life around Castle Park yesterday in soaring temperatures.

The charity's Gill Burgess said she was "really optimistic" that a target of £130,000 to be raised from the event will be "smashed".

An estimated 1,500 spectators made for "a wonderful atmosphere".

"Reading some of the signs on people's backs explaining why they were running was really emotional and inspiring," Gill said.

"Everybody has a relative or friend who has had experience of cancer, and some of the runners were still going through treatment."

Another run at Essex University on July 27 is already fully booked, with another 2,000 women running.

Spaces are still available for runs in Braintree, Chelmsford and Ipswich next month.

For more information visit raceforlife.org