CROWDS enjoyed the excellent weather and cheered on the participants taking part in Crowle’s 10k and fun runs.

The Crowle Gunpowder Plot 10k, starting and finishing at Crowle playing fields, near Worcester, has grown in popularity over the years, with this being the 15th time the event has taken place.

There were more than 400 runners in the main 10k race, including participants from running clubs across the region, including Worcester AC and Worcester Joggers.

First in the 10K race was Black Pear Joggers’ Ian Radford, following his win in last year's event.

He completed the course in 33 minutes and 45 seconds, two minutes quicker than his previous time. 

Jake Watson, from Worcester Athletic Club, finished second while his fellow club-mate, Jamie Grant finished third.

First in the women's race was Helen Hawkes from Amazing Feet Running Club, improving on her second place last year.

She finished in a time of 42.02 ahead of her fellow club-mate, Sarah Armstrong, who finished second in 42.48.

Third was Tamsin Bowden of Evesham Vale RC,  who was also the first of the 35 plus veteran.

Before this there were two fun runs for youngsters to take part in, one a quarter-mile route aimed at youngsters and the other a one-mile race for under 16s.

More than 170 youngsters took part across the two races.

Thousands of pounds is expected to have been raised. Money raised will be going towards Crowle Parish Council and playing fields, and the Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust, in memory of Grace Kelly, from Crowle, who died after a short battle with cancer in 2014.

Event organiser Caroline Brookes said: “This a big event for the village.

“The weather has been good, and there is a real community spirit. Hopefully we will have raised thousands for the charity too.”