HUNDREDS of runners got out into the spring sunshine to raise money for charity.

Pitsea Running Club hosted the Bluebell Five Mile. It is an undulating , off-road run through 92 acres of spring flowers, ancient woodland and meadows on the Little Haven Nature Reserve in Thundersley. The runners raised funds for Essex Wildlife Trust.

All profits from the event will help maintain the reserve.

The event now hosts more than 200 runners from across Essex.

It proved to be a great success, with club members helping with various race duties from marshalling, time keeping, running and even baking cakes for the runners and crowds alike after the event was completed.

Feedback from runners on the clubs Facebook page included, “isn’t it great that Pitsea is raising its profile - I didn’t know you organised so many events, and so brilliantly well too and “thanks to the organisers for continuing the high standards at this lovely race, interesting course, well marshalled, perfect weather as usual, look forward to the 2018 event”.

The club is already working on plans to make even more improvements to the event.

James Caldon from Benfleet Running Club was the first male home in the impressive time of 29.13 minutes.

The first female home was Morgan Campbell of Harold Wood Running Club in an equally impressive time of 35.07 minutes.

Just over 200 runners completed the course.

While runners gave their all in the race, observers like six-year-old Leon Miller were able to tuck into the array of goodies which were available for the hungry hordes in the clubhouse.