NEARLY 1,000 people turned out to take part in the annual Keighley BigK 10K and 5K.

People of all ages – some in fancy dress – ran and walked a multi-terrain route around the town on Sunday, (March 11) raising money for Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

The 10K event started in Victoria Park, with rugby league legend Garry Schofield getting the runners underway, following a warm up led by Danielle Hinchliffe from Sports Direct Fitness.

And the 5K began in Lund Park.

The event, which enjoyed mild, dry weather, was sponsored by Keighley’s Airedale Shopping Centre, motor dealership Colin Appleyard and Keighley Lifts.

This year’s overall winner was Tom Adams, from Baildon, who finished well ahead of the pack in a time of 32 minutes 20 seconds, a record best for the event.

Mr Adams, 35, who runs for Ilkley Harriers, said: “I’ve never done this race before and it was nice to see bits of Keighley I wouldn’t normally see. I normally do off-road fell running.”

In second place was 32-year-old Sam Clegg, from Idle, with a time of 35 minutes 56 seconds. He runs for Rotherham Harriers.

Third overall was 44-year-old Christian Holmes, from Oxenhope, who achieved a time of 36 minutes five seconds. He is a member of Wharfedale Harriers.

The first woman to finish was Sarah O’Sullivan, from Steeton, in a time of 41 minutes two seconds.

The team that raised the most amount of cash was Birstall-based Morses Club, led by company secretary Dave Belmont.

He and his colleagues drummed up an impressive £4,500, plus £450 in Gift Aid.

The total raised from the day has still to be confirmed.

Manorlands fundraiser Andrew Wood said: “About 1,250 people signed-up and we had just under 1,000 actually take part – with the recent wintry weather it hasn’t been ideal for training.

“However, we’re still very pleased with how everything went. People seemed to like the new route and we’ve had some very positive comments.

“I’d like to thank our main sponsors, and tribute also goes to our marshals.

“We had more than normal along the route, and they did a terrific job. We were working with the traffic this year rather than having full road closures, and that seemed to operate well.

“Thanks go to Garry, who was great, and to everyone who took part.” Visit racebest.com/results/a2qqe for full results.

*See this week's Keighley News for full picture special feature from the event.