Women Can marathon organisers have announced its charity partners for the May event. Find out how you can sign up for the event here.

Organisers of Devon’s women-only marathon have announced the four causes it will be raising money for at this year’s event.

Force Cancer Charity, Women in Sport, Exeter Dementia Alliance and Bristol dementia cause BRACE will all benefit from the 2018 Women Can race.

The inaugural event in 2017, the brainchild of Tipton St John runner Jo Earlam, was intended as a one-off to mark 50 years since Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to run the then men-only Boston Marathon. It will return on Sunday, May 27.

Jo has picked BRACE and Exeter Dementia Alliance as members of her own family have been affected by dementia.

Last year the former journalist ran a series of half marathons totalling 130 miles to raise money for the charities.

She said: “I lost my dad and several other family and friends to dementia. It’s an awful disease that is becoming more prevalent. I’m sure many of our runners will have a family member or know someone who has been affected.

“Another link is that exercise has been shown to help stave off dementia, and running a marathon is an excellent way to keep active. My chosen charities are working in research and in community awareness, which are both really important for changing the lives of people with dementia.”

The race is open to individuals and teams of runners and Nordic walkers. The 26.2-mile course starts and finishes in Tipton St John and will take participants mostly off road along the South West Coast Path and through the countryside.

Race director Pauline Beare said: “It’s not about being the quickest, it’s about encouraging women to get involved.

“One of the things marathon running gives you is self confidence and it helps people to tackle issues in their lives. Running can be that powerful and it’s why there are still so many campaigns in the world to enable women to be able to run marathons.”

The organisers added they are encouraging men to show their support for the event by joining the volunteer support team.

The entry fee starts at £35 per person or £25 for each member of a relay team. To enter, visit the Women Can website - www.womencan.co.uk – where there is also detailed information about the course.