Almost 4,000 women have already signed up to take part in Norwich's Race for Life this year.

However, entries are still being taken for the event, which takes place over the weekend of Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, at the Norfolk Showground.

Race organiser Gemma Turpin is hoping the centenary of International Women's Day, on Tuesday, March 8, will inspire more women will decide to run in the 5k or 10k races.

She said: 'International Women's Day focuses attention on women's successes and highlights how much we can achieve together. We hope the day will spur Norwich women on to enter Race for Life, where women unite in one cause, to help beat cancer. All women are welcome, regardless of whether they are taking part on their own or as part of a group.

'This year, Cancer Research UK needs more women than ever before to join the girls at Race for Life in Norwich. We need our Race for Life regulars and women who took part years ago to join together with many new faces and help save more lives.'

Organisers hope 14,580 women will enter and help hit a fundraising target of �998,108.71.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK to support the work of scientists, doctors and nurses who are dedicated to beating cancer by understanding its causes and investigating how best to prevent, diagnose and treat it.

Women in Norwich can enter Tesco and Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 1111.