A WOMAN'S charity race is expected to receive the nod to change venue after its runaway success.

Race For Life, the Imperial Cancer Research Fund Race, has been held on Worcester's Pitchcroft for the past three years.

But the record number of runners taking part in this year's event has forced the organisers to rethink its venue for 2002.

The race will be moved to Worcester City centre but extra costs will be needed for police, stewards, cones and barriers.

Councillors on the city's executive board, which meets on Monday, are expected to confirm changes to the venue and organisation of the race.

"Pitchcroft can take up to 3,000 people but Imperial Cancer is looking for a route that can take a larger number of people," said Wynne Rogers, assistant head of cultural services at Worcester City Council.

"Imperial Cancer needs more entries to help with the increase in expenditure.

"We're looking for more than 4,000 entries to be able to move it into the town centre."

Race for Life cost sponsors Imperial Cancer about £3,000 to run the event on Pitchcroft. But bringing it into Worcester City centre could cost up to £5,000 because of additional costs such as policing.