MORE than 300 runners took part in the popular Rochford 10k.

The first male, Lee Taylor, from Southend AC finished in a superb time of 35 minutes, 47 seconds while the first female, Lindsey Colman, also from Southend AC finished in an equally impressive time of 39 mins and 43 seconds.

Not surprisingly, Southend AC won the team prize that was introduced this year.

And Rochford Running Club’s Chair Ian Toal was thrilled to see so many runners in action.

“We had a fabulous race this year with the sun out throughout that showed off the pretty views our race route provides,” said Toal.

“I am extremely pleased with the feedback we have already received about our supportive and enthusiastic marshals.

“I would like to thank all of our volunteers, sponsors, Ashingdon Primary Academy School, the land owners and local residents for helping us to put on such a fantastic event.

“We look forward to hosting another successful race next year.

The race was started by the Chair of Rochford District Council Cllr Mr David Merrick in his last engagement from retiring to the back benches of the council.

Buoyed by the sunny weather on their backs, the runners headed out up Fambridge Road to then run on private land, not normally accessed by the general public, along the banks of the River Crouch.

Rochford Running Club were grateful to the land owner David Gibbon for giving permission to take the race over land not normally accessed by the public.

And the race again supported St Helena’s Hospice, a charity close to Gibbon’s heart.

While the runners were out on the course, their families and supporters enjoyed the atmosphere at Rochford Academy Primary School.

Ice -cream, cakes, tea and coffee were available to while away the time until the runners returned. The school has now been used as head quarters for each of the five years the race has taken place.

Councillor Merrick presented the prizes and trophies to the winners.

The first three men and first three women each received trophies and gift vouchers from Run Active of Leigh while age group winners also received trophies and all runners received either gold, silver or bronze medals depending on their finishing positions.

The full results can be found here.