The race to make this year's cancer fundraising run the best yet has already started with scores of entries in Bradford so far.

Just one week after the website and phone lines opened for runners to sign up for the annual Race for Life, about 175 women in the city and 25,294 nationwide, have already put their names down for the big event.

About 4,000 women geared up for the Telegraph & Argus-backed event in Lister Park in June 2005 and an extra 1,000 places have been made available this year.

This summer's Cancer Research UK fundraising target has been increased to £320,000 after last year's £160,000 goal was smashed, collecting £320,000.

All the money goes towards pioneering work into the prevention, treatment and cure for cancer.

Bradford was the only city in the North of England to hold two races last year, because of the high demand.

And with only 5,000 spaces available, Yorkshire organiser Katie Birkett is urging people to sign up quickly for this summer's morning and afternoon races at Lister Park on June 4.

She said: "This is the first time we have got so many names after just five days. The popularity of the event is increasing as people become aware of what Cancer Research do." She added: "It's first come first served, so people should join as soon as."

This is the race's fourth year in the city, since it started in 1994 and has collected £400,000 for life-saving research so far.

Racers at 230 venues across the country will join the district to host a Race for Life event. It is anticipated that three-quarters of a million women will don their trainers at some point between May and July to take part in an event somewhere in the country. The national fundraising target is £46 million.

More that 500,000 women took part in 170 events across the country to raise £33 million last year. Unlike other years, team entries are not permitted and women must enter individually. The entry fee has also been increased to £10. To join visit www.raceforlife. org or call 08705 134 314.