The Cancer Research UK fundraiser held two 5k female only runs, on Sunday morning and afternoon as hundreds of spectators lined the town centre streets to cheer the sponsored runners to the finishing line.

Runner Kathryn Maloney (36), of Ashgate Road, Ashgate, Chesterfield, said: "It was a fantastic atmosphere with loads of people cheering the runners through the town centre."

She took on the challenge with sister Liz (37), of Mansfield, after their grandmother Peggy Bishopp passed away following problems with cancer and their mother Wendy (56) is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Kathryn, who finished her morning race with a top-ten place and hopes to have raised about £450 with her sister, added: "This became something very poignant and emotional for us and we were determined to do the Race for Life to help people facing similar problems.

"We'd like to thank our sponsors and family including our dad John for all their support."

Derbyshire Times acting editor Phil Bramley launched the morning race - won by Hannah Pretty - and runners young and old dressed in pink to complete both runs from the Town Hall to Queen's Park.

Chesterfield mayor Cllr Keith Morgan got the afternoon race under starters orders and mayoress Pat Morgan joined the afternoon runners.

Eight-year-old Tiegan-Jessica Revell, was one of the fastest youngsters to cross the finish line completing it in 31 minutes 34 seconds and raising over £450.

She ran in honour of her grandfather who she sadly never got to meet after he died of bowel cancer aged 35. Tiegan-Jessica was joined by fellow Brockwell Junior School pupil Eden Farrell and Eden's mum Lynn.

Parkside Community School, Chesterfield College and St Mary's School, Chesterfield, also took part.

Cancer Research UK spokeswoman Helen Webster said: "We had another amazing event and our thanks go to everyone who took part and to the fantastic volunteers."

Chesterfield's second annual Race for Life day was organised with support from the Derbyshire Times, Chesterfield Borough Council and NHS Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust. The borough council said 3,500 entrants took on the challenge and hopes £213,000 will be raised.