ABOUT 4,000 runners have set off on their 13-mile run around Colchester for the Half Marathon this morning.

It was a chilly but dry start to the day, which is raising money for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and MSUK.

Organiser Liam Austin said: "It was a brilliant start, there was a really good buzz.

"It was the biggest turn out ever which was great, we are now just organising everyone's medals for the finish.

"We were really pleased."

The results will be published on the Sport Systems website later today, you can check them at www.sportsystems.co.uk.

Pick up a copy of the paper on Monday for full coverage and plenty of photos!

UPDATED 11AM: Ramadan Osman was the first at the finish line, after an impressive hour and nine minutes!