MORE than 1,000 runners and walkers turned out today for one of Keighley's biggest fundraising events.

People of all ages took part in the tenth annual Manorlands Keighley BigK 10K, held in brilliant spring sunshine.

Athletes lined-up alongside ordinary members of the public, many of whom had personal, heartfelt reasons for wanting to support the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Manorlands itself entered a team in memory of staff colleague Carol Marshall, who died earlier this month aged 58. She was cared for at the hospice.

The event, as usual, started and finished in Victoria Park.

It followed a multi-terrain route around the town.

And this year – to mark the tenth anniversary – there was also a 5K, which started in Lund Park.

All finishers received a special technical T-shirt.

Main sponsors were the Airedale Shopping Centre, Convenience Hire and Keighley Ford and Kia.

The 10K winner was Callum Elson, in 33 minutes 37 seconds. Second was Liam Rabjohn in 33.39 and third Craig Shearer in 33.42.

First woman home was Jo Buckley in 41.31.

Manorlands fundraiser and event lead, Andrew Wood, said he was pleased with how the day went.

"Pre-event entries were a bit down compared to previous years but we had around 1,100 actually turn out – which is not far behind last year's figure," he said.

"We were helped, of course, by the weather.

"Everything seemed to go very smoothly and people enjoyed the atmosphere.

"We don't know the exact amount raised but it's likely to be at least £38,000. That's a little less than last year, but these things do fluctuate."

Mr Wood pays tribute to everybody who supported the event.

"We had a big team of volunteer marshals right around the course and they did a great job – without them we simply wouldn't be able to put on the event," he said.

"Thank-you also to the sponsors. Their support means all the money raised goes to the charity.

"I'm grateful to all the organisations, businesses and individuals who generously help out in any way. It is a huge team effort.

"And of course thank-you to everyone who took part.

"Ten thousand people have now taken part since the event was first held, which is phenomenal.

"We had 300 in the 5K, so hopefully we can build on that."

Mr Wood added that most motorists were understanding of the road closures around the route, but that two vehicle registration numbers had been passed on to the police after drivers ignored them.

Event results can be found at racebest.com.