RACE for Life Chelmsford has released a heart-felt plea for more local ladies to join the pink army after revealing a significant drop in applicants.

Cancer Research UK organisers are hoping to recruit 3200, but so far only 2618 have entered the event at Hylands Park on Sunday, July 10.

Gill Burgess, event manager in Chelmsford expressed “concern”, and reached out to “missing women” - those who have overlooked the fundraiser.

She said: “We are absolutely thrilled that 2618 women have entered the city’s Race for Life.

“But we are concerned that places have been slow to fill, while other events around the UK have been snapped up quickly.

“It could be that many women have simply forgotten to enter this year or, having completed the 5k/10k event previously, feel that they don’t need to take part again. “But we want to remind these ‘missing’ women just how important their contribution is.”

She added while entry close on Thursday July 7, there is still plenty of time to sign up.

“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.

“Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it, and save lives, is with their help,” she said.

For more information or to participate see raceforlife.org