Labour of love

But as dusk fell last night, Knavesmire thronged with an amazing 5,500 runners, all determined to complete the three-mile course.

Each ran for her own special purpose.

Some ran in memory of family and friends lost to the disease, scores of them carrying names across their back, such as "Uncle Gruff", "Irene" or simply "My Mum".

Others ran to celebrate survival and recovery.

There were teams from York College, Norwich Union, Tesco, the National Railway Museum and Boots, to name a few.

There were runners of all ages and abilities, not to mention outfits.

One participant completed the course dressed as Wonder Woman in red, glittery platform boots. The Dunnington Dazzlers, a team of 14 friends, all wore tinsel wigs.

After a light-hearted warm-up to Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves, and a minute's silence to remember those who could not run with them, they set off to the sound of cheers and claps from the spectators, a snake of bodies making their way around Knavesmire.

Within 20 minutes, runner 1650, 15-year-old Charlotte Baxter, was the first back.

Charlotte, one of a team of eight from Nestl Rowntree Athletic, took part in memory of the mother of her sister's best friend, who died of breast cancer a couple of years ago.

"It was great," she said. "Everyone was clapping and it gets you going."

Shortly after, Rachael Houseman, 29, and her niece, Stephanie Jackson, 23, finished 27th and 28th respectively, and had a joyful reunion with their supporters.

Rachael's sister, Julia Richardson, was not too far behind, having walked the course.

Rachel and Julia's mother died earlier this year and the trio have raised £270 in her memory.

"My mum would have been really proud. She was really good at motivating us," said Rachael.

"I took part because I wanted something positive to come out of it all."

For fellow runner Sandra Mason, 51, of Heworth, the race was an important milestone.

She is currently free of breast cancer after undergoing a mastectomy last August, two years to the day after having a liver transplant.

"I soon as I found out I had breast cancer, I said I would do the race if I got over it. Jane Tomlinson started me doing Race For Life. She has always been my inspiration," she said.

"You have not got to give up, you've got to keep trying. I'm just trying to give a little bit back. I found you get such great help."

Pam Driver, 58, was another breast cancer survivor who took part, celebrating eight years of being free from the disease and also remembering her father.

She was just one of many amazing and modest people who came together for the event.

Pam walked the course in about an hour using a stick for support because just a week ago she underwent an operation to remove her gall bladder.

"I heard about the race last year, but the York one had already taken place," she said.

"I had been hoping to run, but I got called in for my operation last week. I didn't pull out because I didn't want to let anyone down.

"I raised about £200," she said.

Dad's pride as girls get to run

IF HE hadn't been surrounded by people, Robert Hutchinson would have shed a proud tear or two.

The York garage owner who was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer in February last night watched as his teenage daughters completed the Race For Life as a tribute to him.

Only days early, Heather, 17, and Laura, 16, had pleaded in the Evening Press for Cancer Research UK bosses to let them take part, despite all 5,500 places being filled.

Their wish was fulfilled and the pair ran the course in the shirts of their father's beloved Newcastle United, raising almost £250.

Robert, 49, said: "Everyone has been coming up to me, wishing me well. I would really like to thank people.

"At the turn of the year, Heather and Laura were children. They are mature women now. I think if I was on my own, I would cry."

Both girls were tired, but sporting beaming smiles at the end of the three-mile course, having also completed a full shift at the hotel at which they work part-time.

Laura said: "I loved it. I think I could go around again."

"I think we will do it again next year," said Heather.

Evening Press photosales controller Anne Wood was one of the 5,500 women who completed the York Race For Life

"I have done the Race For Life every year since it began. Back then it was just a few hundred ladies and we were practically on first-name terms.

"I run regularly, but this year I walked around with my sister, who has osteoporosis. It was good fun, especially when you walk because you get to talk to ladies you wouldn't normally meet.

"There was a really mixed age group. It was nice to see so many young girls take part as it raises awareness about cancers that affect women."

Updated: 10:37 Thursday, July 15, 2004