I AM so disappointed not to be able to run in this year's Race For Life. Cancer Research tell me only 5,000 people can run on Knavesmire for health and safety reasons - and that the event has been hugely over-subscribed.

They said City of York Council wouldn't allow the event to take place over two days.

I find it amazing that the number of people allowed to take part in the race is so low when 50,000 people will be able to cram into the racecourse to watch the Royal Ascot meeting.

This year is the first time I have nown people with cancer, so I really wanted to make a difference by raising as much money as possible.

In the last two months I have been affected by my son's friend who has cancer of the face; a close friend who has recently had a mastectomy and by another friend who has recently died of throat cancer, leaving three young children.

It is in tribute to them that I want to participate in the Race For Life. I had persuaded ten friends to take part and, between us, we would make a big contribution.

I'm sure I'm not alone and there will be many other disappointed people out there. If enough of us write to the Evening Press then perhaps we shall be able to increase the number allowed to participate or clinch a second date - if not this year, then next.

I shall send a cheque to Cancer Research if I can't take part in the race, but my friends and I really hoped to be able to do significantly more by being sponsored.

Mrs Kildip James,

Clifton Green,

York.

Updated: 11:31 Thursday, May 19, 2005