A "SENSE of godliness" overcomes one Worcester runner when she takes part in the annual Race for Life in aid of cancer sufferers.

Karen Payne, from Claines, Worcester, has run in every Race for Life since it started in Worcester five years ago.

She says pounding the five-kilometre course to raise money for cancer research gives her a "real buzz" because she knows she is doing something for other people.

There are dozens of Race for Life events up and down the country each year. The female-only event is organised by Cancer Research UK.

In Worcester, the annual Race for Life just keeps getting bigger and bigger, with more than 4,000 women and girls running around Worcester's streets last year for the charity.

Mrs Payne, aged 37, said doing something for other people made her feel good.

The project manager, who works for Isys Financial Systems, in Buckholt Drive, Warndon, said it was the one day of the year when everyone could do something selfless for other people.

"You get a really good buzz out of it because everybody is doing it for the same reason," she said.

Fortunate

"Plus, for one day of the year, you're doing something for someone else. I feel very god-like afterwards!"

She said it was up to everyone to "do their bit".

"I am very fortunate in that I don't have a serious illness but for those who do, it's not fair to rely solely on the families to do everything. We all have to do our bit."

Mrs Payne trains early in the mornings with her six-year-old chocolate Labrador, Koko, who, she says, is a great companion.

Currently, however, she is recovering from a torn muscle in her back and is laid up.

But she is looking forward to getting back in her running shoes as soon as she can, as there are just over four weeks left to go until the race.

This year's Race for Life is due to take place in Worcester on Sunday, June 15.

It is proudly supported by the Evening News and a course map and race-day details, including road closures, will be printed in the paper closer to the event.

Women and girls of all ages can enter, with the idea being to have fun, rather than race against the clock.

To enter, click on: www.raceforlife.org.uk or phone 08705 134 314.