ENTRY is now open to take part in this year's Race for Life in Dudley.

The annual event to raise funds for Cancer Research UK returns to Himley Hall on July 5 and is open to all ages and abilities.

The event has historically been open for women-only, but now for the first time men can now take part.

It includes a 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids event and raises millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Kirsten Shore, Cancer Research UK’s Event Manager for Dudley, said: “This year, our Race for Life events are open to everyone.

“We’re sending a heart-felt message to anybody who’s thought about signing up in the past but for one reason or another hasn’t got round to it. This is your year – please seize the opportunity to register in January and become part of the Race for Life community.

She added: “Our events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. Participants take part at their own pace – taking as much time as they like to complete the course. For some people, the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. For others, it’s a jog or a run.

“Although ‘Race’ features in the name, our events are not competitive. Instead, ‘the Race for Life’ is about our doctors, nurses and scientists working as hard and fast as possible to help more people survive.”

To register to take part, visit the Race for Life website.