SUNNY skies ensured a record turnout for the Worcester Marathon and Half-Marathon at Sixways today.

About a thousand competitors took part in both races, running from the headquarters of Worcester Warriors out into the surrounding countryside and passing through villages such as Crowle, Tibberton and Himbleton on the way.

Organiser Rob Minton said: "The major plus point was that the weather was good for runners, spectators and marshals alike, making it a very enjoyable event for all."

Some 70 of the runners were raising money for St Richard's Hospice in the city, and as of yesterday afternoon, they had raised some £6,000, with that figure expected to rise to £8,000 or £9.000 when the final tally is made.

Mr Minton said: "If that is accurate, it will mean we've raised some £40,000 in total for the hospice during the five years we've been holding the event."

About 350 runners took part in the full marathon and 650 in the half-marathon, and they brought along plenty of family members and friends to cheer them on, while Free Radio provided the entertainment at the finishing line.

Mr Minton said that this year's event might be the last at Sixways, as the race organisers are having talks with Worcester City Council about relocating it to the city centre.

He said: "We're hoping it will attract more participants and also tie the event more closely to the city itself."

Marathon winners.

Men: 1 Matt Harrold 2hrs 42min 46, 2 Vincent van Woerkom 2hrs 52min 47, 3 Gary Herring 2hrs 57min 57.

Women: 1 Bethan Fowler 3hrs 15min 47, 2 Eluned Malone 3hrs 23min 14, 3 Lisa Wallbridge 3hrs 10min 03.

Half-marathon winners.

Men: 1 David Bell 1hr 13min 17, 2 Christian Evans 1hr 18min 31, 3 David Hollidge 1hr 20min 57.

Women: 1 Joanne McCandless 1hr 23min 39, 2 Sarah Conway 1hr 32min 03, 3 Melissa Venables 1hr 32min 36.