WOMEN across Glasgow are being urged to make a date to beat cancer by signing up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2016.

The appeal is urging women to smash last year's fundraising target of more than £550,760.

The charity is calling on women to fight back against the disease by taking part in Race for Life on Sunday, May 22 at Glasgow Green where the 5K starts at 10am.

Participants can choose to walk, jog, run or even dance around the course.

Women can complete the course at their own pace, climbing, jumping, walking and laughing their way around.

Claire Wase, Cancer Research UK’s event manager for Glasgow, said: “Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to spend time with the people we love.

“For this reason it’s also the perfect date to enter Race for Life.

"Everyone who takes part in Race for Life, and raises money for life-saving research, will be playing a crucial role in helping more men, women and children survive cancer.

"They will be giving them the chance to have more time with the people they love and to create more precious memories together.

“Pledging to take part in Race for Life, alongside thousands of like minded women, is incredibly motivating.

The atmosphere on the day is full of emotion. Participants wear signs on their backs declaring their reasons for taking part.

"Many will be remembering loved ones lost to cancer or celebrating the lives of people dear to them who have survived.

“And as the cold, dark days of February drag on, knowing that they’ve signed up to Race for Life later in the year could help women of all shapes and sizes feel more inspired to stick to their resolutions to get a little bit fitter in 2016.

"With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that women across the Glasgow area are up for the challenge.”

Last year, around 10,118 people took part in Race for Life Glasgow and raised more than £550,760, part of £2.3 million raised by Race for Life events across Scotland.

This year organisers are appealing for even more women and girls to stride out to help beat cancer sooner.

To enter Race for Life see raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.