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Video & pictures: Race For Life 2009 - 30 June
Tuesday night: They donned tutus, fairy wings, wigs and pink leggings but the 2,637 women and children who took part in the city's first Race for Life event had just one thing in common – to help beat cancer.
Tuesday night: They donned tutus, fairy wings, wigs and pink leggings but the 2,637 women and children who took part in the city's first Race for Life event had just one thing in common – to help beat cancer.It was an inspirational sight as generations of families, friends and work colleagues gathered together and descended on the picturesque surroundings of Ferry Meadows in Peterborough for the 5k race which raises thousands of pounds for charity.
Racegoers basked in the early evening sunshine before taking part in a five-minute warm up and a minute's silence in memory or celebration of a loved one whose life has been touched by the disease.
Women of all ages and fitness levels then gathered behind the start line before setting off on the three-mile fun run that is Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, the UK's largest women-only fund-raising series.
See Georgie Mabee's photo gallery from Tuesday night's event.
More from Tuesday's event: Emotions run high on a special night
The Evening Telegraph's Tara Dundon spoke to a handful of competitors to find out why Race for Life is so important to them.
Video & pictures: Race For Life 2009 - second night, 1 July
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And just 20 minutes later, 13-year-old Stephanie Burton from Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, was the first to cross the finishing line for the third year running.
After taking a moment to catch her breath and have a well-earned medal placed over her head, the Nene Valley Harriers runner said: "I am very proud of myself for coming first again, it was really tough out there with the hot weather.
"Although I am a runner, I also know people who have lost their lives to cancer, so it is an important fund-raising event.
"I hope to take part again next year, and will give it my best shot to win again."
Runner-up, fellow Nene Valley Harriers runner Emma Chan (14), from Longthorpe, Peterborough, added: "It was hard trying to keep up with Stephanie. She deserved to win. It was a fantastic race and it was great to be a part of it."
Event manager for Peterborough Kate Francklow said: "We have exceeded last year's numbers, so we are delighted. Seeing so many women and children taking part is extremely inspiring and we hope to see even more next year.
"About four million women have taken part in Race for Life, raising more than 240 million since it first begun.
"In Peterborough alone we hope to have raised a staggering 121,000 last night, and in total over the two days, about 239,000.
"We are grateful to everyone who took part, but now the race is over, it is time to start collecting the sponsorship money so we can help beat cancer."
A further 2,400 women will take part in tonight's second Race for Life at Ferry Meadows.
For more information about Race for Life and to sign up to next year's race, visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 2282.
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