About 2500 women took part in the annual Race for Life, which made this year's event the biggest to be held in the city in its eight year history.

Sponsorship is still being collected but organisers hope to raise £140,000 from the Inverness leg of the event, topping last year's total of £132,000.

Like many others who completed the five kilometre course, which started at Bught Stadium and took runners through the Ness Islands, Charleston Academy teacher Mhairi Johnston was motivated to take part following the death of close relatives.

"I recently lost two aunts to cancer so it was important for me to raise money for the charity, " she said.

The 22-year-old, of Marybank, beat her own expectations by coming third in a time of 20 minutes.

Mhairi Johnston

"I had hoped to finish in the top 10 so was delighted to come third, " she said. "I had expected a time of 21 minutes - to just beat that was another bonus."

First place was taken by 16year-old Catriona Fraser from Ardross with Lossiemouth competitor Kayleigh Jack coming second.

Event organiser Olivia Carruthers hoped more places could be offered in next year's race in order to keep up with the ever-increasing popularity of the event.

"Demand has grown year on year, " she said. "Unfortunately, so many people know someone affected by cancer that we expect to see this continue."

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