THE RACE For Life charity spectacular has beaten its own personal best after more than 4,000 women made the event York's biggest yet.

Organiser Dave Martin estimated entry figures were well above 4,000, more than 1,000 up on last year and 3,700 more than the crowd attracted to the first event in 1998.

The total raised for Cancer Research UK is still being counted, but is expected greatly to exceed last year's £130,000.

Dave said: "It was an absolutely fabulous day with a really nice atmosphere.

"Every single woman who took part was superb. Whether they were running, jogging or walking, they put everything they had into it and really worked to make it a success."

The run took in a five-kilometre (three-mile) circuit of the Knavesmire.

Pat Reed, 58, has completed every one of the five Race for Life events organised in York in memory of two aunts who died of cancer.

And yesterday's event was a personal best for her as well.

"I completed it in 33 minutes, which is five minutes quicker than I'd done before," she said."I'd trained specifically for it at Courtney's gym, at Monks Cross, and I think that helped.

"It was a brilliant day with an excellent atmosphere."

Updated: 08:51 Monday, May 20, 2002