1,400 descend on Priory Park for the Reigate and Redhill YMCA Fun Run

THERE was a glorious return to Reigate and Redhill YMCA's Fun Run for many of Sunday's race hopefuls and winners.

They were part of a record field, as 1,400 people competed in five-mile and one-mile runs for all ages in a sunny Priory Park.

From smurfs to spacemen, and from two-legged to co-ordination-challenging eight-legged, competitors got in the fancy-dress spirit to raise money for the charity's projects supporting children and young people in East Surrey.

First man home in the adult five-mile race was course record-holder Alister Moses, who finished in 27 minutes and 47 seconds on his return to the event after a five-year gap.

Mr Moses, who lives in Redhill and works as a deputy head teacher at St John's Primary School in Caterham, said: "I've been abroad over this Bank Holiday weekend since 2008 so it was great to be able to take part again this year and I thoroughly enjoyed the run."

Natalie Wilson, of Reigate Priory Athletics Club, came home first for the ladies for the second year, in a time of 31 minutes and 25 seconds.

William Kerven, from Betchworth, also achieved a double, taking the Under 6 race for the boys for the second time, with Pollyanne Stott crossing the line first for the girls. William's sister, Rosie, proved athleticism runs in the family with a first place in the Under 8 race.

Patrick Florida-James triumphed in the Under 12 race in an impressive 5 minutes and 49 seconds. For the girls, Maddy Pullen, 11, a pupil at The Hawthorns School in Bletchingley, scooped top spot.

Inspirational Clare Marchment, 44, who is blind, completed The Penny Stevens Adult one-mile race in 13 minutes and 31 seconds, assisted by YMCA gym instructor Lesley Ewins.

"It was harder than I thought it was going to be," she said. "There were some tree roots and uneven ground around the back of the park but achieving my aim feels fantastic."

EastEnders' actor Shane Richie started the adult's five-mile race, entertained the crowds and welcomed the runners home with some cheeky banter, particularly singling out friend and Reigate chef Tony Tobin, who was taking part in his 7th fun run.

YMCA chief executive Ian Burks said: "This was a fantastic community games event, fully supported by our wonderful local community."

He thanked runners, their families and sponsors Brewers, Vines BMW, Evans Cycles, Osborne and Simply Sports.

To coincide with the fun run, The Festival of Sport – a joint venture between Reigate and Banstead District Sports Council and the borough leisure services department – offered entertainment and demonstrations from more than 30 local sports clubs.