THOUSANDS of runners took to the streets of Colchester for this year’s Colchester Half Marathon.

The race returned to the city for the 11th time on Sunday, with athletes starting and finishing against the backdrop of the home of Colchester United Football Club – the JobServe Community Stadium.

Having been organised by Colchester Round Table in previous years, the baton was handed over to Colchester-based charity The Robin Cancer Trust, which organised this year’s event alongside the Running Colchester community.

The charity’s community engagement manager Darren Couchman said the team was “really proud to have pulled the event together”.

Laura Pooran and Sarah Box, who took on the 13.1-mile challenge together, became friends and training partners having met at Boxted Runners, which Laura joined as part of its beginners to 5k programme.

She said: “It’s been amazing. You build up such a great network of friends and support.”

Laura raised vital funds for Hospital Radio Colchester, a charity which she volunteers for on a weekly basis.

She continued: “Getting out and taking [song] requests from the patients is great fun and gives them something to look forward to, whilst hopefully making their stay a little better.

“I love being part of the team and this is my way of giving a little back.”

Braintree's Kurtis Swan won the race with an impressive time of 01:10:40

Katie King from the Saint Edmund Pacers was the first woman to cross the finish line - in 01:22:22

Colchester councillor Darius Laws has been heavily involved with the half marathon since it started and returned to the stadium to provide commentary and music as runners crossed the finish line.

Also running was Colchester MP Will Quince, who was fundraising for the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

Speaking ahead of the race, he said: “Hospitals get their core funding through the NHS but there are lots of added value elements which add to the patient experience.”

Reflecting on the undulating route, the health minister added: “Everyone thinks North Hill is the worst part but it’s not because that’s over quite quickly.

“Really, it’s Ipswich Road which is a really long incline and that’s the one that hits you the most."

To sign-up to take part in next year's Colchester Half Marathon CLICK HERE.