The hunt is on to find women ready to answer an urgent appeal to sign up for the most important race of all – Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

While Race for Life events elsewhere in the UK are filling fast, Crystal Palace, Blackheath and other parts of London are lagging behind. Some of its events are only half full.

The Crystal Palace Race for Life, takes place at Crystal Palace Stadium on June 22. There is a 5k and a 10k option – both starting at 11am.

The Blackheath Race for Life takes place on the Common on Sunday July 6 – the 10k event starts at 9.30am and the 5k course at 11.30am.

Cancer Research UK has now taken the unusual step of making an urgent plea to women to step up, sign up and save lives across the capital.

Emma Hyatt, head of Race for Life, said: “We’ve had fantastic support from the capital in the past and we know super-busy Londoners often like to leave it until the last minute to sign up. “But cancer is one thing that can’t wait. Our scientists are at the forefront of the battle against cancer and we need a formidable army of women to help them do that. And we need them to do it now. In short, we need them to kick cancer’s butt!

“I can’t stress enough how important Race for Life is for funding our research across London and beyond.

“Last year we spent £168m on research in London alone. All the women who took part in Race for Life, made a massive contribution to that.

“So, we’re appealing to women, teenage girls and little girls across London to commit to helping us bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

“It’s the perfect time to do it too - while the men are sofa-surfing, watching the World Cup, the women can help cure cancer. And for the ladies who love football too, think how much better you’ll feel watching a match, knowing you’ve helped kick cancer into touch.”

Emma said Londoners were generally later than the rest of the country to sign up and there was fierce competition for their time, attention and money.

“But please, don’t let Race for Life be the one that drops off your list. Get your friends together and sign up now.”

Last year more than 67,000 women and girls over 13 took part in 15 Race for Life events in London and raised more than £5m.

This year, the charity is hoping 70,000 women and girls will take part and raise nearly £6m.

Emma added: “Cancer still isn’t getting the message. What we need is an army of feisty females to join together and help stop cancer in its tracks. Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being fit or fast. Instead, they are an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease.”

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its ground-breaking work but, with help from the people of London, the charity intends to beat cancer sooner.

To enter Race for Life’s 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy events in London visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.