In pictures and video: Thousands turn out for Stafford's first 10K road race

More than 2,000 people were signed up to take part in yesterday's race, which saw runners start and finish in the town's iconic Market Square.

The event follows on from the success of the Stafford Half Marathon which took place earlier this year with record levels of participation.

It took the 10k race just 100 days to sell out after registration opened back in March. More than 500 runners signed up immediately for the event, before it officially sold out at the start of July.

The race village opened at 9.30am, with a mass warm up taking place some 50 minutes later at 10.20am. The race began at 10.30 before the prize giving took place an hour later. Every runner who took part was awarded a specially commissioned Stafford 10k medal.

Councillor Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Stafford Borough Council, said: "The Stafford 10k is an exciting new addition to the town's sporting calendar and follows the huge success of the Stafford Half.

Chris Lewis, chair of the Stafford Town Centre Partnership, added: "Having seen the popularity of the half marathon I have no doubt this new race will be a welcome addition to the calendar.

"It's always good news to have top sporting occasions that bring people from across the region in to our wonderful town centre."