In pictures: Walsall Race for Life

Donning wigs, leg warmers, tutus and feather boas, thousands of fundraisers transformed Walsall Arboretum into a sea of pink for the town's second Race For Life event.

Organisers said they were delighted with the turnout for the 2.5km fundraiser, which has pulled in £125,000 from sponsorship cash for the charity Cancer Research UK.

There was laughter and tears among the 2,600 runners and walkers who sported dedications on their backs to loved ones who had lost their lives to cancer.

Archaeolgist Katie Hall, who finished second in around 20 minutes, returned from Cambridge, where she is studying for a PhD, to take part in the event with her mum, a cancer survivor.

Health visitor Elizabeth Hall, aged 52, of Salisbury Drive, Cannock, underwent a double masectomy three years ago after contracting breast cancer. She was cheered on by husband Keith, aged 57, after walking the course with her friend Susan.

The race was officially started by another cancer survivor, Walsall businesswoman Mandy Walker, aged 51. The mother of three, who discovered she had cervical cancer through a routine smear test almost five years ago, also walked the course.

Walsall Arboretum Race 4 Life organiser Victoria Meikle said: "We're delighted to see so many women and children take part."