EMOTIONS ran as fast as the first across the finish during Hereford's first ever Race for Life on Sunday.

Women of all shapes and sizes, young and old - every one with their own personal reasons for taking part - flocked to Hereford Racecourse to help raise £50,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Many of the 950 participants had fought and beaten cancer themselves but all have been affected in some way by the deadly disease.

Some ran while others walked and all wore pink cards on their backs in celebration or tribute to those who have fought a long hard battle to live a normal life.

Among them were Hereford Times merchandiser, Jill Warren, and leisure editor, Julie Harries, who raised £125 between them.

First past the post in around 20 minutes was competitive runner and chemistry student 22-year-old Frances Wood with former Hereford Times employee, Nicola Goodwin close on her heels.

Organiser, Nick Wright said: "To get 950 women to take part in the first year of an event - given the fact that we have a lot of races nearby - is amazing.

"With it being the first year, it sets us up nicely for future events now we have got going in Hereford - but we really do need the women to send us their sponsorship money as quickly as they can."