JUST three weeks after registration opened, Oxfordshire's Race for Life events are filling up in record time.

Cancer Research UK, which organises the national, women-only event, said that while the average race was 12 per cent full at the moment, Oxford's Sunday morning event is already 30 per cent full.

Event co-ordinator Vikki Savery said: "Race for Life has always been really well supported by the ladies of Oxfordshire, and year on year we have had to grow the events to cope with demand.

"But this year the Oxford and Chipping Norton events are filling quicker than any other races in the surrounding area and I don't think it's premature to say that we are going to sell out in record time."

Race for Life is the UK's largest women-only fundraising event.

Women of all ages, many of whom are suffering with or have battled with cancer, walk, jog, or run 5k to raise money for research into the disease.

This year, there will be three Race for Life events in Oxford, taking place at the University Parks on Saturday, June 7, at 11am and 2.30pm, plus a further event the next day, at 11am.

There will also be a Race for Life at Heythrop Park, near Enstone, on Sunday, June 22, at 11am. About 9,500 women will be taking part, aiming to raise £620,000 in sponsorship.

Ms Savery added: "There are many inspiring women who take part in the Oxfordshire races, with many inspiring reasons for doing so.

"Some do it as part of their personal battle with cancer, others to remember loved ones that they have lost to this disease.

"Last year the women of Oxfordshire raised half a million pounds for Cancer Research UK. Thank you to everyone who helped achieve this, you are making a difference."