They came in their hundreds for the Hartlepool Race for Life event.

Organisers hailed yesterday's run as an overwhelming success as mothers, daughters and granddaughters poured along the 5km challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK.



There was no age barrier. Women aged from seven to 76 took part and all wore pink for the day.

SLIDESHOW: Click to view>>

Each of them carried an emotional tribute pinned their back displaying the names of friends, family and workmates battling or who they have lost to cancer.

The atmosphere at the starting line yesterday was a mixture of excitement and sorrow as a poignant minute's silence brought the crowds together in solidarity.

Around 2,000 runners took part to help contribute to the £50 million UK target to fund Cancer Research's life saving work.

Click the link to buy pictures from the event>>

Holly Howey, the event manager for Hartlepool, said: "We had about 1,500 runners last year and 2,000 this year so hopefully we will raise the £116,000 we would like to raise from today.

"It's gone absolutely fantastic. The atmosphere is amazing. There's lots of people in fancy dress and a lot of back signs that are really emotional.

"The weather has helped and it's perfect conditions."

First across the line was Jennifer Edwards, from Hartlepool Rugby Club, who made it round in just over 20 minutes.

Jennifer from Stockton said: "I'm running for everyone. I'm really proud that I got through first."

A steady stream of runners passed the line including Pauline Wallace, 45, who works for the chemotherapy unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and made it through in 27 minutes.

She said: "It's heartbreaking seeing people go through cancer. The cancer sufferers are so brave. They come in and talk and laugh and you would not think that they are coming for life-saving treatment."

Lorraine Crawford, 51, appeared in the Mail after her sister Eileen Abbott died from bowel cancer on April 8.

Eileen had been diagnosed only five months earlier. Lorraine said: "It went excellently and we had a really good time. She would be very proud."