IN PICTURES: Stafford Half Marathon

Competitors and spectators started gathering in the town more than two hours before the events were due to begin.

Just over 3,000 runners took part in the half-marathon this year and around 500 taking part in the fun run.

Ben Gamble won the half marathon, in one hour, seven minutes, and 40 seconds, while Nicky Neelan was the first woman across the finish-line.

The mile-long fun run - a more leisurely event with a fancy dress theme of superheroes - was won by 13-year-old Iris Davies.

Officials said it was a record turn-out with numbers in previous years at just below the 3,000 mark.

And this year's event has proved so successful, bosses are already considering expanding the event further next year - with the half-marathon open to 5,000 runners.

Head of leisure and culture at the council Adam Hill said it had been an extraordinary event.

"I would estimate that in the town centre alone there were around 15,000 people - runners and spectators who came along the watch," he said.

"But as you went out along the route there were even more.

"I would estimate there was between 20,000 and 25,000 people in the town centre altogether. It was an excellent turn-out."

Mr Hill said talks were already taking place about extending the number of competitors who could take part in the half-marathon.

"It was a record year for the event this time with just over 3,000 taking part," he said.

"At the moment we are looking at extending the number of competitors to 5,000 next year.

"There is a major interest in the event as the places this year were all filled very quickly."

The main half-marathon, a 13.1-mile run, started from Stafford Street at around 10am with the finishing line in Market Square.

The route for the event had to be changed this year due to work being carried out by Severn Trent in the town.

But it did not dampen the enthusiasm of those taking part.

Mr Hill said: "I think the good weather for the event also played a factor in the number of spectators which came out to see the event."

From seasoned runners, to those in fancy-dress, thousands of runners descended on Stafford to take part in the annual half marathon and fun run.

Did you take part? Or were you busy cheering on the runners? Send your photo finishes, team pictures, and shots of the day, to Star Witness and be in with a chance of winning £100!