THOUSANDS of runners, joggers and walkers stepped out today for one of the region’s most popular races, and gave charities a huge cash boost.

Large and enthusiastic crowds cheered the runners along the route of the Asda Foundation York 10K.

Attracted by the chance to run through York’s historic streets, runners of all abilities came from across the North to take part in the event. The race started and finished in Knavesmire Road, close to York Racecourse, and took in some famous landmarks including the Minster and Clifford’s Tower.

The runners were sent on their way by the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Barbara Boyce, and Olympian and world champion Rebecca Gallantree, taking part in her first official 10K run after retiring from diving in January.

Overall, the first home was Liam Rabjohn in a time of 31 minutes 41 seconds. Matt Bickerstaff took second place in 32 minutes 17 seconds, with Harry Holmes third in 32 minutes 30 seconds.

The first woman across the finish line was Gemma Steel in 33 minutes 28 seconds, beating the female course record by a minute. Second place went to Charlotte Mason who finished in 37 minutes 31 seconds ahead of Sarah Douglas who was third in 38 minutes 18 seconds.

Asda Foundation senior manager Julie Ward said: "It’s not hard to see why the Asda Foundation York 10K is so popular year after year, the beautiful city of York provides an incredible setting for the run and the crowds are so supportive.

"Well done to everyone, including the many Asda colleagues, who crossed the finish line, especially those raising money for some fantastic charities."

Organised by Run For All, the race was launched in 2009 and forms part of the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson, who raised nearly £2 million for charity by undertaking a series of gruelling challenges, despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Many people took part for a good cause of their own choice or one of the partner charities which this year were Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Martin House Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, St Leonard’s Hospice, Candlelighters, Brain Tumour Research and Support, Mind York and York Against Cancer.

Hundreds of youngsters aged between three and 14 seized the opportunity to join in the fun by taking part in the free-to-enter Arena Group York Mini and Junior Run. Little Noah Tilson, who uses a frame to walk, won some of the biggest cheers of the day.

Encouraged to raise a small amount of money for a good cause, some of the youngsters were running in aid of the event’s partner charity, The Island, which offers support to vulnerable children aged eight to 13 who are struggling to cope at home, at school or in the wider community.

Lynne Preston, Run For All event manager, said: “We are enormously grateful to everyone – runners, spectators, sponsors and particularly our volunteers – whose hard work made today’s 10K so successful and enjoyable.”

Entries are open now for the 2018 York 10K, or runners can step up the distance with the Yorkshire 10 Mile on Sunday October 8, 2017. For more details, go to www.runforall.com