Nearly 1,000 people donned their running shoes in glorious sunshine to compete in the St George’s race in Corsham on Sunday.

The race, now in its 33rd year and organised by the Corsham Running Club, saw runners from around the county compete in the 10k and 2k fun run, cheered on by the crowds who lined the route around the town.

It began at Corsham Town Football Club where Bath Rugby players Carl Fearns and Alafoti Faosiliva sent the entrants on their way and Corsham Cadets were on hand with refreshments.

The Corsham Windband also gave runners encouragement by performing during the race and half way through segments of oranges were handed out to spur people to the finish line where a goodie bag was waiting for them.

Simon Nott from Calne Running Club came first in a time of just under 33 minutes, despite suffering from a stitch halfway through and being unsure whether he would finish.

Second place was Mark Edwards from Bristol and West Athletic Club whose time was 35 minutes and 24 seconds and in third place was fellow club member Matthew Battensby in 35 minutes and 31 seconds.

Natalie Plummer was the first woman to cross the finish line, clocking up 38 minutes and 22 seconds.

This year a 1930 Riley Nine car complete with England flag was driven around the track by Brian Tilley of Neston, to let the crowds know the runners were on their way.

Organiser Alex Fogwill from Corsham Running Club said: “The weather was great so it was good running conditions. Everyone thought it was a great race and well organised.

“There were 950 people who had signed up but we didn’t have that many people running and off they went. We did have a small problem when a marshal sent people the wrong way but it was a small thing with a group of 10 people.

“It is a real community event, Corsham as a community helps us in a big way and they all muck in. The people from the running club who marshal do it all for nothing and give up their time to help.”

Entries to the race this year had to be done in advance to fill the 950 places. Mr Fogwill added: “The demand was enormous, we have to turn 100s of people away. Next year we are going to increase the number to 1,100 or 1,200.”

Money raised from the entry fees is going towards Corsham Regis Primary School’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), with the rest towards other Corsham charities including the food banks and sea scouts.