Thousands turn out for Stafford 10K - with VIDEO and PICTURES
Thousands of people descended on Market Square, in Stafford, to take part in the town's annual 10K run.
Charity fundraisers and running clubs went the distance on Sunday morning as crowds cheered them on from the sidelines.
Runners took on more than six miles of course, looping from Market Square past Stafford Leisure Centre, through Isabel Trail and Victoria Park, back to a packed-out town centre.
The Mayor of Stafford, councillor Ray Barron, was one of the many to turn out in support and helped kick off the event.
He said: "The forecast was atrocious but as it has turned out it could not have been any better for running and what a lovely event to have in the town.
“Stafford Borough Council aim to have as many events as we can in the town centre. It brings in trade, in brings in people, it brings in athletes, cyclists and the more the merrier.
“It benefits the businesses as well and we want to really promote that. I know on the Staffordshire Ironman, the businesses reported three times their normal trade, so hopefully we are doing a good job.
"I am amazed the amount of sponsorship the runners are raising for charity and good causes. It is incredible to see it and it is all good for the charities they support."
The first place prize for the male runners went to Matthew Costello, who covered the distance in an impressive 33 minutes and 39 seconds.
For the female athletes, the first place prize went to Georgia Chattwood, who ran the course in a quick 39 minutes and 12 seconds.
