BOTH Colchester's annual Cancer Research Races for Life are full for the summer.

More than 4,000 women have pledged to take part in the two 5km (three mile) events in Castle Park and at Essex University.

There are just two weeks to go before the first event, on May 11, and women who could not get places are being invited to look at other Essex events.

Places are still available at Gloucester Park, in Basildon on June 15, and in Hylands Park, in Chelmsford on June 22.

Cancer Research UK's event manager Gill Burgess, said: "I am overwhelmed that both Colchester events have filled so quickly.

"Race for Life is such an inspiring and emotional day where women of all ages and abilities come together to make a real difference.

"But for those women who think they have missed out, the good news is that there are still places left at the Basildon Gloucester Park and Chelmsford Hylands Park events.

"However, these places are also going fast, so sign up today."

Race for Life is a women-only event where women of all ages can run, walk or jog the 5km course to raise money to fight cancer.

The Colchester Race for Life events are expected to raise more than £264,000 in sponsorship to support clinical trials in the Colchester area, as well as throughout the UK.

Women are being urged to set up their own online sponsorship page to help with raising their money.

For more information visit www.raceforlife.org/centraleast or call the hotline on 0871 641 2271.