Warm-up is over as race beckons for fitness trainer

SHE has given last-minute encouragement to more than 50,000 women as they prepare to take part in a 5km run.

Fitness instructor Jill MacGregor has conducted the warm-ups at the annual Cancer Research UK Race for Life for the last 15 years, and watched on as her temporary students compete.

But now the 44-year-old will participate as part of the new 10km option when the event takes place at Holyrood Park on 13 June.

The event is a popular one in the Capital and raises valuable funds for the cancer charity.

She said: "Doing the warm-up before Race for Life is fantastic.

"Standing on that stage facing thousands of women all dressed in pink is just priceless and I absolutely love it.

"Although it's a fun event, there are usually a few tears too and I feel really privileged to be able to play a part in what is always a memorable day out.

"However, although I always do the event, I have only ever walked around the 5k course.

"But now the organisers are offering a 10k version as well, I thought I'd step up to the challenge and see if I can run the entire distance for the first time."

Spaces are still available for the summer race. To enter phone [phone] or visit www.raceforlife.org.