SOUTH Lakeland’s 2013 Race for Life event has been axed by Cancer Research UK.

The charity has pulled the plug on the Cartmel Racecourse fundraiser after fewer than expected people took part this year.

Organisers described the decision as ‘sad’ and ‘difficult’ and said it was part of a reduction in smaller Race for Life events across the UK.

More than 500 women ran in memory of loved ones back in July, but it was hoped that 1,100 would sign up.

It was the first time the event was held at Cartmel, after previously taking place at the Westmorland County Showground.

The charity, which also cut the event in 2010, said the changes were being made to help raise more money for research by reducing costs.

Annette Quarry, Cancer Research UK national event manager, said: “Race for Life raises money to fund life-saving research so we owe it to our participants and supporters to ensure that we raise as much money as possible in the most cost-efficient way.

“Although 552 women took part at our event in Cartmel in July, entries were lower than anticipated.

“Taking the costs of staging the event into consideration, we have had to take the difficult decision not to run it again in 2013.

“We are very grateful to our participants and their supporters who took part in the event for the first time this year and hope they will understand the reason for this difficult decision for 2013.”

The nearest Race for Life events next year will be held at Preston on June 16 and Lancaster on July 14.

Race for Life is a women-only series of events which raises millions of pounds every year for life-saving research into all cancers, helping men, women and children.

All the money raised goes to fund Cancer Research UK’s crucial work.

To find out more, visit www.raceforlife.org