HUNDREDS of runners came together to take part in a unique run in Shoebury.

Entrants were randomly placed into teams of five in the Flyers Ekiden Relay which was raced over the marathon distance of 26.2 miles.

And event organiser Alex Thornton was delighted by how successful the race - which was held around Gunners Park on Sunday - proved to be.

“It’s a testament to the great spirit of the Southend running community that everyone came together so well,” said Thornton.

“Everyone enjoyed it and we hope this will be the first of an annual event now.”

Twenty four teams took part in the first running of the race which saw organisers creating mixed ability teams prior to the race.

All teams were expected to end up finishing within in a relatively short space of time.

And, on the day, the top five teams all finished within a mere seven minutes of each other, with the top two sides only 30 seconds apart in a nail biting finish.

Echo:

The winning team (left to right) Keith Passingham, Isla Sinclair and Ellie Kimber with race organiser Alex Thornton

But Thornton also wanted runners to be able to enjoy their day.

“The race aimed to bring together runners in a shared love of the sport,” said Thornton.

“Entrants found themselves in the same team as those they would usually compete against in more straightforward races, leading to new friendships being formed and links forged between different running clubs.

“It made for a great atmosphere on the day but I would also like to say a massive thank you to the volunteer marshals who were fantastic.”

The race was won by a team made up of Leigh Striders’ Ellie Kimber, Flyers Southend’s Keith Passingham, Benfleet Running Club’s Isla Sinclair and Bob Chapman and an unattached runner Amanda Key who completed the marathon distance in a speedy 3 hours 55 minutes and 41 seconds.

Echo:

Running well - Lianne Oxlade whose side finished in a creditable fifth place

Benfleet Running Club’s Eddy Cooper produced the fastest leg of the day, covering the distance in an incredible 31 minutes and 29 seconds.

And the 18-year-old thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the race.

“I think it’s been a great event,” said Cooper.

“It’s a true testament to the sport that people from various clubs and across a wide range of speeds are supporting each other round the course.

“It was a great idea, executed brilliantly by the Flyers team headed up by Alex Thornton.”

Cooper made up a number of positions on the final leg and was pleased with his performance on a testing course.

“I had a good run through an enjoyable course with a few differing terrains making it that bit more interesting,” said the youngster.

“The heat made it difficult but there were loads of people out on the course with water and it was really well organised. I’ll definitely be there next year.”

The race raised more than £1,500 for The Finish Line Fund, which supports families affected by serious injury or death while participating in sporting activities in East Essex, and Essex Wildlife Trust.

Organisers are now hoping to run the event on an annual basis.