THOUSANDS of runners old and young took to the streets of Blackburn over the weekend to take part in the town’s first ever 10K race. 

Athletes came from all over the country to represent their running clubs in the event, which started and ended inside the home of Blackburn Rovers, Ewood Park. 

The course, which took runners from the football stadium into the town centre on Bolton Road and back out towards home along Bank Top and Griffin Park, contained all of the right ingredients for a highly competitive race. 

The fast and flat route allowed Manchester-based Jordanian runner Mohammed Abu Rezeq to romp home in first place in a time of just over 31 minutes while the first female to cross the line, Claire Clancy, completed the course in a time of 38:53. 

Hailing the event an ‘enormous success,’ the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Jim Shorrock, said: “It was a fabulous morning and the turn out was incredible. Our Consort Mark Joyce and I were down at the start and then at the finish line helping to hand the medals out. 

“There was a fantastic atmosphere and I think next year there could be double the turnout.”

Cllr Shorrock was also filmed helping the race’s last finisher, Ismail, over the finishing line, after he completed the course with the aid of a walking stick. He added: “I must also say a big thank you to Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and the council for helping to organise the event and ensuring everyone stayed safe.”

Before, during and after the race an events village complete with live music, food stalls and entertainment ensured that none of those waiting in the cold for their loved ones to finish got bored. 

Mark Dearden, who has lived in Blackburn his whole life, decided to take a walk into town with his dog Macy to support those taking part. The 76-year-old said: “I’m a bit old to be taking part in these kinds of things these days, but once upon a time this would have been right up my street.

“The town gets a bad rap and I think seeing everyone out on the streets today, supporting friends, family and strangers, just goes to say it can still be a lovely place to be.”

Many also took part in the event to raise money for charity, and some spectators were even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Rover, the football club’s mascot, as he made his way around the course. 

The event was organised by professional race company Run Through with part of every athletes entry fee going to the Community Trust. 

Top five men finishers:
Mohammed Abu Rezeq in a time of 31:09
Tim Raynes in a time of 32:14
Karl Billington of Blackburn Harriers in a time of 32:43
Matthew Ramsden of Blackburn Harriers in a time of 33:05
Joshua Holgate of Blackburn Harriers in a time of 33.22

Top five female finishers:
Claire Clancy of Wilmslow Running Club in a time of 38:53
Hannah Farrow of Fulham Running Club in a time of 41:19
Rachael Gavin of Blackburn Harriers in a time of 41:53
Sarah Ridehalgh in a time of 42.15
Emma Backer of Tavistock Running Project in a time of 42.20