WOMEN are being urged to kick start the New Year by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s 2018 Race for Life.

This year the Race for Life Irvine 5K and 10K will be held on Wednesday, June 13 at Beach Drive and organisers are appealing for women and girls to stride out to beat cancer sooner.

This January, women are being offered 30 per cent off entry fees for all Race for Life events in Scotland – so it’s the perfect time to sign up. Every day, 87 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland and the number of people being diagnosed with cancer has now reached around 31,700 cases each year.

That’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities to fight back against this devastating disease by entering a Race for Life event in Scotland. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “January is the perfect time to commit to getting a little more active and take on a new fitness challenge.

“Race for Life offers the ultimate motivation. By taking part and raising money, participants will be helping to fund vital cancer research. It’s time to mark the New Year and make a resolution to remember. By joining like-minded ladies committed to the cause, women can unite against a disease that affects us all in some way.

“Race for Life events are non-competitive and participants can choose to walk, jog, or run around the course. Whether they’re planning a 5K stroll, a 10K sprint or a muddy splash around a Pretty Muddy course, every step women take will help to support life-saving research.

“Pledging to take part in Race for Life is a great incentive for women to pull on their trainers and join thousands of ladies across the UK who are coming together in the fight against cancer. ”