The starter's pistol has been fired for Norwich's Race for Life event.

And organisers hope this year's race will be the biggest ever, with thousands of women signing up to the 2012 theme of 'Norwich versus cancer'.

Volunteers were at Chapelfield shopping centre on Saturday, encouraging mums, daughters, sisters, grandmas and friends to sign up for the event.

Gemma Turpin, Norwich events manager for Cancer Research UK, said: 'We want to encourage women of all ages, shapes and sizes to enter Race for Life.

'It's all of us versus cancer, and we need women to join the fight as soon as possible. Every two minutes somebody is diagnosed with cancer, and it will affect one in three of us. Race for Life raises vital funds for cancer research – and is a fantastic fun day out as well.'

A total of 9,800 places – more than ever before – are up for grabs for the 14th Race for Life in Norwich, which will be held on May 19 and 20 at the Norfolk Showground.

Last year's race raised more than �580,000 for research into cancer, but organisers have set the bar higher this year and are targeting �670,000 in 2012.

Mrs Turpin added: 'We've had a great response from people keen to sign up already. We have more opportunities than ever before for people to take part, and I'm confident that this year's Race for Life can be the biggest and best yet.'

Among those spreading the word on Saturday was Anne Cathersides, who completed her first Race for Life seven years ago.

She signed up after her mother was diagnosed with skin cancer, and has lost two grandfathers to lung cancer.

Since then, she has raised more than �47,000 for Cancer Research UK in her role as charities co-ordinator at City Academy Norwich.

She said: 'It's absolutely fantastic on the day – all those women pulling together for the same cause.

'Everyone helps you round if you're a newbie and encourages you to the end. There's a great community spirit.'

The Race for Life is non-competitive and entrants can walk, jog or run the 5k or 10k courses. This year, the 10k will be at 10am on Saturday, May 19, with 5k races at 2pm on Saturday and 11am the following day.

To enter Race for Life in Norwich, see www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.

Call Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 if you've got a health story for the Evening News.