On 21 June 2005, thousands of women took part in the 5-kilometre event organised by Cancer Research UK at Poole Park, Dorset, uniting in pursuit of one goal: beating cancer.

Dressed in pink and adorned with pinned cards bearing personal dedications, participants observed a poignant minute’s silence at the start, pausing to remember loved ones lost to the disease.

Among the runners were nurse sisters Natasha Norman of Swanage Hospital and Maria Mooney of Forest Holme Hospice, both emphasising the importance of breaking down stigma and encouraging open conversation about cancer.

For many, the event offered both personal healing and communal solidarity.

Poole resident Rachel Spence completed the three-mile course for the tenth time, running in tribute to her aunt, a friend and a friend’s mother.

She spoke of the “wonderful atmosphere” and highlighted the dual purpose of honouring those affected and raising much-needed funds for research.

The annual Race for Life series, at that stage operating as a women-only fundraising event, saw this gathering in Poole as part of a broader movement to bring women together in the fight against cancer.

Participants were invited to run, walk or jog at their own pace, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the event.

While comprehensive records on the exact number of attendees for the 2005 Poole event are limited, archival reports indicate a strong turnout with more than 1,600 registered participants in earlier releases of the event in the region.

The event remains part of the historical legacy of the Race for Life brand, which has since expanded to include people of all genders and ages, pledging life-changing support for cancer research across the UK.

As the morning concluded, many runners lingered in Poole Park, sharing stories, offering support and reaffirming their collective resolve.

In doing so, they echoed a simple but powerful message: in the fight against cancer, awareness, community and action matter deeply.