A SEA of pink took over the Down Grange Sports Complex for the annual Cancer Research UK Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events.

United in their aim to beat cancer, participants walked, jogged, ran or dived through mud as part of the 5k and 10k events.

Emotions were high as many people were running with loved ones who are currently going through their own battle with cancer, or in memory of a friend or relative, displaying the name of lost loved ones on their race number.

This is the second year the weekend event featured the Pretty Muddy obstacle course, with 1,350 participants getting dirty in the name of charity.

For the annual Race For Life, on June 10 there were 950 runners, which included The Gazette’s Amy Waissen, who smashed her target of raising £300 by collecting more than £500.

The whole event aims to raise £15,000, to help with research to battle cancer.

Fiona Miller, event manager for Basingstoke, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to the hundreds of ladies, girls and boys who turned out in force once again to make Basingstoke Race for Life and Pretty Muddy a huge success.

“The sun was shining on Down Grange as more than 2,300 people ran, jogged and walked the 5k course – all united in their determination to raise money for vital research into cancer.

“We can’t say thank you enough and are already looking forward to bringing the event back to the town next year. Particular thanks go to Basingstoke Wolverines cheerleaders who did an incredible job of cheering everyone on around the course as well as members of the Rock Choir and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for all their support."