A RUNNER from Ross-on-Wye has won Hereford’s Race For Life.

Margaret Cumming won the Cancer Research UK event at Hereford Race Course earlier this morning with a time of 21 minutes and 47 seconds.

The Canadian, who works as a teacher at the Haberdashers' Monmouth School, won the race for her third time.

“I’m delighted to have won although this year I barely did,” said Margaret, who has lived in Herefordshire for four-and-a-half years.

Margaret was running in memory of her late grandmother, Vera Symcock of Burley Gate, and Jackie Harries, a teaching assistant at her school.

Hot on her heals was Nicola Edwards from Hereford who finished second.

“It’s my fifth Race for Life and I do it every year in memory of my mum Sandra Tyler who died from cancer in 1985 when I was 15,” said Nicola. “And I have got a sister who has just been given the all clear.”

For Nicola the race is a great event that doubles as a family affair.

“I ran it with my daughter Demi Edwards, from Lugwardine, and it was a brilliant course with really great facilities and a great atmosphere.”

Tracy Duffy, one of the event’s organisers, said: “This is a new course this year and hopefully it’s better for it.

“There are over 2,300 ladies here and I think that is the biggest ever for Hereford.”

It is expected the event will raise £118,000 and Ms Duffy appealed to participants to ensure all sponsorship money is collected.

*For a full list of those who have taken part see Thursday's Hereford Times.