Thousands of fun-runners, fundraisers and club specialists basked in late-summer sunshine to enjoy the Middlesbrough 10k on Sunday.
The hugely popular event attracted big crowds to Centre Square before runners took to the streets for the 10 kilometre-long course.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke was among those who took part.
He said: “The Middlesbrough 10k is one of the highlights of our town’s summer, and it was good to see so many people come down and support the event in the sunshine.
“I managed to make it round the course in one piece, and I enjoyed meeting lots of other runners.
“The 10k isn’t just a great sporting event, it’s a fantastic social occasion too.”
The race is organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, the UK’s largest not-for-profit events company, in partnership with Everyone Active and Middlesbrough Council.
The route took in Middlesbrough landmarks including Albert Park, the Dorman Museum, Teesside University, the Transporter Bridge and the Riverside Stadium, before participants headed back to Centre Square for the finish line.
Lewis Gamble-Thompson was the first across the finish line in a time of 31:35, followed closely by Joseph Wilson in 32:18 and Dan Tate in 33:05.
Caroline Lambert was the first woman to finish in 37:22, Jennifer Berry was second in 37:38 and Catherine Williamson came next in 37:49.
The Middlesbrough 3k followed as families, friends, and schools of all abilities came together for a morning of sport and fun.
Also starting and finishing in Centre Square, the 3k route took participants along Albert Road, Cleveland Street, Vulcan Street and back to Centre Square for the big finish.
As part of the event, runners had been encouraged to fundraise for their own charity of choice or one of the event’s partner charities, which included the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Teesside Family Foundation, Home-Start Teesside and Leo’s.
Mayor Cooke proudly supported Home-Start, a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age.
Michelle Hardy, manager at Home-Start Teesside, said: “We had chance to speak to Mayor Cooke before the race and he was really happy to wear our t-shirt and support the charity. That means the world to us.
“The 10k was a fantastic event and we were over the moon to be able to showcase the work our volunteers do.”
Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All, said: “We want to say a huge well done and thank you to all our participants who joined us today. With the addition of the 3k, it has been a fantastic day of running and fundraising for all those involved.
“The enthusiasm and support from everyone involved, from the participants themselves to the many spectators, sponsors, partners and volunteers, all ensured the day was a fantastic success.”
Paul Ayre, Everyone Active’s Contract Manager, said: “We really enjoyed playing our part in the Middlesbrough 10k.
“It was great to be involved in a community event for all ages and abilities, which benefited local and national charities.”
Run For All are offering a brand new ‘Boro Duo’ Season Ticket for 2024, which will allow participants to secure discounted entries into next year’s Middlesbrough 10K, on Sunday September 1, and the Ali Brownlee 5K which takes place on Sunday June 16. To purchase, visit www.runforall.com