4,000 people registered for Breast Cancer Ireland's Great Pink Run in Leopardstown racecourse today.

The two runs - a 5km and a 10km - are aimed at fundraising for the development of new and more effective therapies for patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

It also raises awareness for the cancer which touches thousands of families every year.

Annually in Ireland, more than 3,500 women and approximately 35 men are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Some of the women taking part in the run. Picture by: JJ Clarke

The charity expects to raise half a million euro through sign-ups and donations to today's run.

Speaking at today's event, World Champion and Olympic Silver Medal winner Sonia Sullivan emphasised the importance of awareness.

"When girls and women and men - everybody - come together on a day like today, everybody starts thinking: 'We gotta make sure we're on top of this'."

"It's a check list everybody should have - when you need to be checked, when you need to be screened", she said.

"Just look after your healthy and be aware of stuff early."

Kamal Ibrahim (left) and Sonia O'Sullivan (right) at today's run. Picture by: JJ Clarke

Almost 70,000 people have taken part in the Great Pink Run events to date, raising over €5.4 million for pioneering research.

According to Rachael McKenna who has stage four breast cancer, early detection is vital.

"I know that breast cancer Ireland have an app ... it shows them how to do a proper breast check."

"It reminds them every month to do it as well."

"Being familiar with your body and being familiar with your breasts and doing that regular breast check is just so so important."