A PINK army descended on Colchester's Castle Park as fundraisers told cancer to jog on at this year's Race for Life.

Hundreds took to the city centre park this morning to walk, jog, or run five kilometres to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

A staple in the city's sporting calendar, Race for Life is now in its 30th year. Once a women's-only event, men have participated in the event since 2019.

There was a buzzing atmosphere in Lower Castle Park as participants and their friends and family gathered ahead of an energetic warm-up before the non-competitive event.

Gazette: Ready - participants took part in a warm up before the eventReady - participants took part in a warm up before the event (Image: Steve Brading)

Many of the runners and walkers paid tribute to their loved ones who have been affected by cancer, attaching pictures and messages of love to their sportswear.

Susan Souter, who has taken part in Race for Life seven times previously, and friend Heather Forsdick, made the journey from St Osyth for this year's event, raising £145 for the charity between them.

Gazette: Fundraisers - Susan Souter and Heather ForsdickFundraisers - Susan Souter and Heather Forsdick (Image: Steve Brading)

The pair, whose families have both been touched by cancer, said: "We're doing it for all the people who have had cancer and not survived and for everyone going through it."

Colchester MP Will Quince said he was "greatly honoured" to start the race and run it himself, after completing a special Parkrun in honour of the 75th birthday of the NHS just the day before.

Gazette: MP - Will Quince took on the challengeMP - Will Quince took on the challenge (Image: Steve Brading)

The Health Minister said: "It's been an exciting week in the cancer research space.

"The Government has signed new deals nationally with Moderna and BioNTech and we partner with lots of organisations, including Cancer Research UK.

"I'd like to thank anyone who supports this charity so they can complete their amazing research to help tackle cancer."

Cancer Research UK funds scientists, doctors, and nurses to help beat cancer sooner.

The money raised by events like Race for Life also enables the charity to provide cancer information to the public.

Race for Life will return to Colchester on July 7, 2024.

Pick up a copy of Tuesday's Gazette for a four-page Race for Life pictures special.