More than 17,000 women took part in yesterday�s 5k Race for Life in Glasgow to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Many of the women were cancer survivors. Others had lost friends or relatives to the disease. (With video)

More than 17,000 women took part in yesterday's 5k Race for Life in Glasgow to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Many of the women were cancer survivors. Others had lost friends or relatives to the disease.

There was no pressure to run. Some strolled. And virtually all wore pink. Many had come in fancy dress. There were girls in tutus, women in bunny ears and cowboy hats. There were toddlers and babies in buggies.

Many runners carried poignant messages: "I'm running for my mum" and "This is for my husband. I'll miss him and love him forever".

"It was amazing. We looked out on a sea of pink," said organiser Leigh Fergus.

"It's been a brilliant day, the sun has shone, and everyone has been in fantastic spirits.Just looking at all the women was overwhelming. I'll never forget the sight of 17,000 women at one time warming up with aerobics.

"It's been the biggest Race for Life in the UK and it's testament to the attitude of the women of Glasgow. They are a tremendous bunch. The target is to beat last year's £800,000 and I'm sure we'll do it.

"I was so proud to be a Glaswegian. The city has excelled itself today," she added. "The whole atmosphere has been one of fun and lightheartedness, tinged with a really serious message, underlying the fact that so many people are directly affected by cancer and are here to make a real difference."