About 4,000 women ran, jogged and walked the 5km course during two races, which took place at Nowton Park on Sunday.

According to organisers, it was the biggest turn-out in the nine years the race has taken place in the town.

It is hoped the event raised more than £200,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Gemma Turpin, race organiser, said: "It was absolutely fantastic. The biggest race we've seen in nine years.

"The atmosphere was electric in the morning and afternoon. Well done to all those that took part."

The excitable atmosphere was also layered with emotion, as most of those who crossed the finish line had lost loved ones to cancer or knew of people who had undergone treatment for the disease.

Sam Sheppard, 29, of Bury, joined four generations of her family, aged two to 80 years old, who completed the course in memory of her cousin Kirsty McLeod, who died of breast cancer in 2005, aged just 24.

"As you go around it's really heart-breaking to see everyone's signs of who they're running for," she said.

"It makes you see how well this is supported and how everyone has been affected somehow – and so affected that they've actually got up from their backsides and done something to raise money."

Also playing the generation game was cancer survivor Elizabeth Barber-Lomax, 65, of Bury, who completed the race with her daughter Sarah Asbury, 39, and granddaughters Rachel, 11, and Jade, nine.

Five years ago, Elizabeth was just well enough to see her family cross the finish line after undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast and kidney cancer.

"It's absolutely phenomenal. I did not think I would be here," she said.

Sarah added: "This is a celebration of how fortunate we are that mum is well and about supporting those that are still battling. It's such a privilege to be a part of it and it's a joy to have mum doing it with us."

Embracing the fun of the event were Lucy Bennett, 17, and Emily Challender, 17, both of Downham Market, who walked the course with their legs tied together. They said they would try to top their efforts next year by using a wheelbarrow.

Rapturous applause also greeted workers from RAF Honington, who dressed up as Smurfs for their run.

But the crown went to runner Bryony Smith, who took first place in the morning's race, followed by Claire Dann and Pauline Field.

In the afternoon, Nikki Brinkmann came first, while mother and daughter Christine and Justine Anthony, crossed the line together in joint second.


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