Winter may long be over and spring may have sprung, but that didn’t stop well over a hundred people from running in the Run Layer 5k cross country event on Sunday.

Whilst adults did the 5k event – which translates to just over three miles in old money – about 30 kids got to have their share of the fun as well in the one mile event in the sunshine.

Gazette: Alpha males – Jason Gunn, Jody Walker, and Ryan Ward with event organiser Craig MitchellAlpha males – Jason Gunn, Jody Walker, and Ryan Ward with event organiser Craig Mitchell

The route may have been scenic, but it wasn’t without its challenges, with undulating passages and a variation of soft and hard surfaces meaning this was not a course for the flat-track bullies.

Gazette: Dream team – Rosanna Holden was the winner in the canicross section (for runners accompanied by their dogs)Dream team – Rosanna Holden was the winner in the canicross section (for runners accompanied by their dogs)

Now in its third year, the Run Layer 5k donates all the profits from the event back to the community, which has benefited from over £13,000 over the years the event has taken place.

First home in the male category was Jody Walker, of Nuclear Races striders, who finished in 30:35.

Gazette: Girl power – Colchester Bootcamp's Katie Dove was thriving in the sunshineGirl power – Colchester Bootcamp's Katie Dove was thriving in the sunshine

Marginally behind him – only five seconds, in fact – was Jason Gunn, who donned the green of Colchester Harriers finishing in a time of 30:40.

Taking third was Ryan Ward – known as much for his boxing as he is for his running – crossing the finishing line in 31:25.

Gazette: Great and small – Benjamin Ficken towered over his running partnerGreat and small – Benjamin Ficken towered over his running partner

In the ladies’ section, Colchester Harrier Sara Stradling came out on top as she took podium position with a time of 37:22, over two minutes ahead of her nearest challenger, second place Anna Kocinska.

In third was Nicola Whiting, from Colchester Bootcamp, who sneaked under 40 minutes, running a time of 39:55.

Gazette: Plenty in the tank – Colchester Bootcamp's Gabriel Beckett was in good formPlenty in the tank – Colchester Bootcamp's Gabriel Beckett was in good form

The canicross section may be less known to many, but being a canine crossover, the idea is that runners are accompanied by their four-legged companions for the entirety of the race – it’s not only the dogs required to be up to the task.

Winner of the canicross section for the men was Benjamin Ficken, who crossed the line in 37:48.

Gazette: Strength in numbers – Colchester bootcamp were awarded the best represented club trophyStrength in numbers – Colchester bootcamp were awarded the best represented club trophy

In the ladies section, Rosanna Holden took the win with a final time of 43:23.

Event organiser Craig Mitchell thanked Colchester Bootcamp for sponsoring the event.