Hundreds of women are expected to take part in a fundraising run and walk this weekend in support of their fellow females.

PartnerRe's tenth annual 5K will be held at the Botanical Gardens on Sunday morning, with all the proceeds going towards the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's breast cancer detection equipment fund.

Pauline Girling, from the centre, said more than 1,000 women were expected to turn out for the event. "It's called Women Helping Women and because it's their tenth anniversary they have chosen us as the beneficiaries.

"We're delighted about that as the money raised will go towards our $1.5 million digital mammography fund."

The digital mammography equipment will provide the Island with a vital state-of-the-art tool for early detection of breast cancer, which some 90 women in Bermuda are diagnosed with every year.

PartnerRe spokeswoman Jaime Masters said: "The timing couldn't have been better as October is breast cancer awareness month and all of the funds raised from the race are matched by PartnerRe. This race is all about women helping women and we're hoping for a record turnout this year."

The race is being held in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Club (MAAC). Alison Harvey, from the club, said a number of the Island's top female runners, including Victoria Fiddick, Kim McMullen, Ruth Peichoto and Kelly Larrett, would be taking part. "The 5K is usually very competitive," she said.

The 5K race and a walk of the same length for adults starts at 9 a.m. A 3K run for junior girls begins at 8.30 a.m. Corporate, family and school teams are invited to take part.

Registration is until 4.30 p.m. today at www.partnerre5k.bm or at Sportseller in Washington Mall, Hamilton.

Entry is $20 for MAAC members, $25 for non-members and $5 for juniors.

Late registration ($35 for adults and $5 for juniors) is available from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday morning at the Jack King (poultry) building at the Botanical Gardens, when participants can pick up their race numbers and goodie bags.

More than $10,000 in prizes is up for grabs at the event, including overall run and walk prizes, age group and junior prizes and numerous draw prizes, including two premium return Zoom flights to London with $500 spending money donated by Apex Construction Management and two $800 travel vouchers donated by Arthur Morris, Christensen & Co.

Parking is available on the Tucker property opposite the Gardens on South Shore Road.