Hunt on to find No 1 runner

Up to 19,000 are putting their best foot forward in six separate races in Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Stafford to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

And now the Express & Star has teamed up with the organisers and Beacon Radio to offer women the chance to be number one and two in the Race for Life at Sandwell Country Park, Wolverhampton's West Park and Shugborough, near Stafford.

The popular annual events, which allow women to run, jog or walk a 5km route, return next month and organisers hope to raise £1 million from six regional races.

Sandwell Country Park is the venue for two races on June 3 at 11am and 2pm. Wolverhampton's West Park will host races on June 20 and 21, each starting at 7.30pm. Stafford's Race For Life takes place at the Shugborough country estate on June 26 and 27, each also starting at 7.30pm.

Each runner taking part will have their own reason for doing so – with many having lost a loved one to cancer.

Now we want to hear your story as the Express & Star and Beacon Radio have secured the distinctive number one and two race bibs for two lucky participants at each race. So if you and a friend or colleague would like to start the race, please tell us why you want to be in pole position.

Organiser Richard Brown said: "The Race For Life means so much to so many women and having the number one or number two bib will make it that extra bit special.

"So please contact the Express & Star and tell them why you think you should wear the top numbers."

* If you and a companion would like to wear the number one and two bibs write to Maria Cusine, Women's Editor, Express & Star, 51-53 Queen Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1ES, or email m.cusine@expressandstar.co.uk telling us why you are putting your best foot forward for the Race for Life. Please include your name, age, address and contact telephone number. Closing date is May 24 and winners must agree to publicity.

Race events near you

* Sandwell Country Park on June 3 at 2pm

* Wolverhampton's West Park, on June 20 at 7.30pm and June 21 at 7.30pm

* Canon Hill Park, Birmingham, on June 21 at 7.30pm

* Shugborough, near Stafford, on June 26 at 7.30pm and June 27 at 7.30pm

* Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, on July 14 and 15 at 11am

* Sanders Park, Bromsgrove, on July 22 at 11am.

To enter Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, log on to www.raceforlife.org or call 08705 134 314.