Fancy dress fills the streets for Stafford 10k - report and pictures
Serious runners to dress-up cowboys - thousands of people took part in the Stafford 10k this weekend.
The event was sold out weeks before Sunday's race with 3,000 runners joining the starting line at 10.30am.
It was organised by Stafford Borough Council.
James Skelton was the race for a second year in a row with a time of 33min 4 sec, while Lucy Holt was the first woman with a time of 38min 25 sec.
Fifth overall, but the first finisher from Stafford Harriers, was Phillip Hilsdon, aged 39, from Stafford.
The warehouse manager got a time of 35min 38 sec.
Mr Hilsdon, who has only been running seriously for five years, said: "It is a fantastic event which attracts good runners from the area.
"It's also nice to be running in your hometown."
WATCH: Runners pound the streets during the Stafford 10k
Mr Hilsdon will be preparing to run the London Marathon next year.
Also taking part was couple Claire and Tony Powell, from Stafford.
They raised £1,400 for Cancer Research UK.
Mrs Powell, aged 49, who works for General Electric, said: "We watched the Stafford Half Marathon and were plied with drinks until we said we'd do the 10k.
"But it has been worth it.
"It was a great event which brought out friends and family. The crowd kept me going to."
Starting in the heart of the town at 10.30am, the route took runners past Stafford Leisure Centre and then toward Beaconside before entering Victoria Park for a finish at Market Square.
Councillor Mike Smith, cabinet member for leisure at the borough council, said: “The Stafford 10k is a great addition to the town’s sporting calendar and follows the huge success of our Stafford Half Marathon."
All participants received a specially commissioned medal and a technical running t-shirt.
